Coming back to campus after summers spent at new internships, with new friends, and in new locations, it’s comforting to know that some things at Hillsdale College stay the same. Events sponsored by the Student Activities Board are known for live entertainment, snacks, and various mechanical rides, and this year’s aloha-themed welcome party set the scene for a tropical paradise in Michigan.
Kicking the night off with early 2000s rock, Halfway House brought energizing beats and nostalgic guitar riffs to the SAB stage. With fan favorites like “All The Small Things” by blink-182 and “Accidentally in Love” by Counting Crows, these six men brought an alternative energy and sound to start the evening off right.
“Halfway House played upbeat songs that drew the crowd to the main stage,” sophomore Maria Ritchie said. “There were some fun classics that were fun to listen to, plus some current songs that I wasn’t expecting to hear!”
After a brief intermission, James Bulleit and the Dirty Blondes took the stage, playing dance-worthy, sing-along songs that drew in a large crowd of students. Comprised of members of Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity, this band was confident and engaging on stage, creating an electric environment at Welcome Party.
“This band has an incredible stage presence,” senior Michael Thalen explained. “They all move around the stage, interact with a crowd, and seem to be having a really great time up there. When you’re on stage, you’re not just a musician, you’re also an entertainer, and that’s something these boys are really great at.”
By leaning in and singing with the crowd, showcasing their talent through riveting guitar solos, and drumming with one hand for part of the performance, James Bulleit and the Dirty Blondes gave students and college staff the party they were hoping for.
“Performing at Welcome Party is always a blast,” lead singer Matthias Rhein said. “I didn’t even feel like I had to sing half of the time because the crowd was carrying so much of the energy.”
Closing out the night, Schizmatics played a mix of classic and modern pop music. With crowd-pleasers like “Hooked On A Feeling,” by Blue Swede and “As it Was” by Harry Styles, the sophomore band featured their trumpet and saxophone players, creating a fuller, layered sound.
“Schizmatics have some of the best horn players on campus and they pick songs that play to those strengths,” sophomore Josiah Jagoda said. “They bring a unique funk and swagger to Hillsdale College’s music scene.”
As the openers for Arlie at Centralhallapalooza last year, Schizmatics quickly won the support of the student body. Known for their bright smiles and cheerful attitudes on stage, they give the audience an excuse to dance, sing along, and make them feel a part of the band.
