FINDING NEW TALENT The Campus Activities Board took a new approach to bringing bands to campus. In the fall, CAB sought out bands that were on the rise and introduced them to the student body. Whereas CAB had previously brought such popular acts as NeedtoBreathe, The Avett Brothers and Phillip Phillips, they began introducing the student body to bands like Green River Ordinance, The Lone Bellow and the local band Four West. "College is a time and place for learning, and this makes smaller or up-andcoming bands an appropriate fit," CAB co-director junior Bradley Cain said. Finding a band before it was in the spotlight could be a challenge. CAB watched music reports from organizations such as NPR, Relevant magazine and Spin magazine and conducted surveys to find bands students might be interested in hearing. Lesser-known bands provided unique environments and interactions with audiences. Smaller crowds typically attended the concerts, which were often held in the more intimate Administration Auditorium. The environment allowed for a close interaction between the crowds and performers. "Harding offers a welcoming environment to visitors," Cain said. "This allows for a relationship between the performer and the audience that is more unique than simply showing up to a venue for a concert and leaving after the show. Bands that come to Harding enjoy the 'meet and greet' after the show." Junior Cara Speegle attended The Lone Bellow concert Sept. 17 and said thoroughly enjoyed listening to the energetic group. "A pretty good turnout showed up, and probably every one of them had their jaw to the floor after the first song," Speegle said. "The Lone Bellow brings such a presence to the stage. Their passion for the music they make was palpable. The concert was held in the [Administration] Auditorium, which was appropriate for the size of the audience. This provided a cozy atmosphere and nearness to the band." Speegle said she appreciated CAB's initiative in helping smaller bands build their fan base and students expand their musical tastes. Sophomore Austin Yates also liked the intimacy that lesser-known bands brought to campus. "Often times, the less popular bands perform better live and do a better job of connecting with the students," Yates said. "I would rather have more frequent up-and-coming bands with maybe one big band each year." More than anything, CAB placed a priority on the quality of the music over big-name bands, doing extensive research before choosing performers. "If CAB brings a band to campus, I want the students to know that the show will be good," Logan Light, director of campus life said. "It shouldn't be a risk to the student. No student should wonder, 'Is this band going to put on a good show?' Rather, my goal with CAB is to show that it can bring talented musicians who put on great shows." Reid Belew
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