As revealed yesterday during lunch, Natalie Stovall and the Drive will perform at Centralhallapalooza, preceded first by a student band, then Chris Lane.
The event’s country theme will extend beyond the artists to the food and activities as well. In addition to the typical carnival food, there will be two roasting pigs and “southern style of fixings,” according to Director of Student Activities Anthony Manno.
“Even though not everyone likes country, there’s something about the music that draws people to it,” Manno said. “When I hear it, I want to sing along, and I want to be with my friends, and I want to put my arms around the person next to me and hum the tune. There’s something about the music that I think brings everyone together.”
In the survey Student Activities Board sent out last year, almost half of the results requested country. According to Manno, there’s something about live music which welcomes the masses, regardless of genre.
Natalie Stovall has performed on the Grand Ole Opry show, in the White House, and on the Oprah Winfrey Show. She has toured the country with her band since 2006, even visiting Panama City Beach in 2014. Senior Mallory Sachen watched her perform there.
“I fell in love with Natalie the first time I saw her perform. She is really great at getting the crowd pumped up and involved in her performance,” Sachen said in an email. “The thing that is great about Natalie, is that she will probably have as much fun performing at CHP as we will have watching her.”
Sachen also said she loves the mix of original songs and covers Stovall performs.
Chris Lane has played over 500 shows, opening for big names such as Florida Georgia Line, the Band Perry, Eli Young Band, Chris Young, and Brantley Gilbert. He’s been on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, and has been named Taste of Country’s top artist to watch in 2015.
“Generally with country artists, there’s a genuine kind of home feel,” Manno said. “Chris and Natalie perform in high school gyms and large arenas, so they are excited to come here. They still look at it as a very serious performance.”
“I’m obsessed with country music. I don’t know these artists, but I’m so excited because I know that after I see them, I will like them,” freshman Cassidy Syftestad said.
“I thought the hay bales were trying to cover up Beyoncé, so I’m a little disappointed that it’s not her. It’ll be interesting to watch some artists I’ve never seen before, though,” freshman Jack Sinko said.
“I’m so excited for country to come to Hillsdale, and I think it’s going to be a lot of fun,” freshman Grace Schroeder added.
Both the stage and tent are much bigger this year. In contrast with the previous 12- by 24-foot stage, the new stage will be 24 by 24 feet. It will be placed lengthwise in the tent to allow more students to approach it, according to Media Production Specialist Scott Pienta.
Pienta said they hope to suspend lights from the ceiling of the tent in order to allow students to approach the stage more easily. Additionally, the audio-visual crew will film the event.
“We’re going to put our LED panels out there, so people can actually watch what we’re putting out, what we’re filming,” Pienta said.
The opening student band will be decided on April 10 at Band Hero. Manno said this event will give students the opportunity to perform in front of their friends, even if they don’t win.
“We want a student band who’s going to get the crowd excited,” he said. “When you think of it, that’s what an opening band does. They excite the crowd for the bands that are to follow.”
Manno and Pienta said they are looking forward to the event.
“It’s going to be a good show,” Pienta said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun, and I want the students to blow off some steam before they graduate or get ready for a new year or finals.”
