Spring Concert: What Went Wrong?

The college’s Spring Concert took place on Saturday in the LeFrak Gymnasium. Doors opened at 7:30 p.m., and the event, organized by the Campus Activities Board (CAB), was supposed to be one of the year’s biggest events. This year’s concert featured performances by Orion Sun, wolfacejoeyy, and Isa Tariq ʼ25, the winner of the student opener competition.

Logistics aside, what really happened at the Spring Concert this year? Because, let’s be honest, this year’s show didn’t quite hit the mark ... I wasn’t around last year, so I can’t speak to exactly how things went down, but from what I’ve heard, last year’s concert was pretty unforgettable. The buzz surrounding CupcakKe’s performance seems to have been through the roof — lots of excitement, tons of energy, and a whole lot of people from all five colleges coming together to enjoy the show.

But let’s start with what was good: Orion Sun, the headliner, was absolutely mesmerizing. Her voice was so soulful and rich that it had everyone swaying. If you haven’t heard her music before, imagine a cozy evening wrapped in smooth R&B, a little indie flair, and a lot of heart. It was clear why she was chosen. She’s a talented artist with a great presence. Her performance? A soothing experience. Here’s where I start to feel a little conflicted. While I enjoyed her singing, I found myself wondering: Is this what we should expect from a “Spring Concert”? The vibe was more intimate than anthemic. It was more “indie playlist” than concert hall material. It wasn’t quite the same. Orion Sun, with her moving voice, is undeniably talented, but there was something about the overall vibe that didn’t quite hit the mark. Maybe it’s just me, but when I think of the Spring Concert, I imagine something a bit more raucous, something that really gets the whole crowd on their feet.

The crowd was ... sparse. I mean, more than half the gym was empty. People did come, some stayed, some didn’t — most didn’t. Honestly, if I hadn’t committed to writing this article, I probably would’ve left early, too. Also, let’s not forget that while the event was free for Amherst College students, Five College students were charged $15 to stand in that half-empty gym and watch a “concert” that was mediocre at best. Let me be clear: Orion Sun and wolfacejoeyy weren’t the problem. They both did their thing, and they’re both great artists in their own right. But were they the best choice for the Spring Concert? If you loved the artists and thought that the concert was an absolute blast, good for you. And I’m definitely not a music pro by any means: this is just my humble opinion.

That said, I couldn’t help but think: we should have bigger acts. We deserve a concert that feels like a big deal, one that makes everyone come to the show. This year’s lineup left many of us wondering if we could have pushed a bit further for a better artist. However, Amherst has a smaller student body and can’t really afford a bigger artist with our budget. The Spring Concert, in its current form, just isn’t working; maybe it’s time to rethink the whole thing. If we want better artists, why not leverage the Five College system? Imagine what our Spring Concert would look like if we pulled together resources from Amherst; the University of Massachusetts, Amherst; Smith; Mount Holyoke; and Hampshire. A Five College collaboration for the Spring Concert could bring in an artist that appeals to a broader crowd, and maybe even boost attendance while we’re at it. Given the attendance at the concert yesterday, investing all the money spent on the Spring Concert for another rave would have been less wasteful.

The conclusion to this rant? This year’s Spring Concert did not live up to the hype. So, CAB — if you’re listening — let’s step it up next year. It’s time to think a little bigger and bring in some artists who will actually get people excited to show up. Who knows? A little more buzz, a little more energy, and maybe next year’s Spring Concert will be one for the books. Fingers crossed!