Are you tired of bringing your binoculars to concerts just to get a mere glimpse of the band? Interested in hearing new, independent bands in an intimate setting and at a low cost? Tufts has the answer for a local and cheap way to hear some new music: Applejam.
Applejam is a student-run organization that arranges concerts featuring local and touring bands. It originated in 1991 and, at the time, mainly arranged shows for fraternities. But more recently, the free concerts have moved away from Professors Row and into new settings such as Cohen Auditorium and the Crafts House. The concerts normally consist of indie-rock bands - musicians on independent labels. Applejam president Rich Sulivan describes the acts as "similar to the bands that play the Middle East in Central Square."
"They are often hardcore or punk bands that [Applejam] thinks would appeal to the Tufts community," Sullivan said. "All shows are free," he reiterated, "so if you want to check out a band...this is a great way to do it."
And since the concerts are open to the public, fans from the surrounding area come to the Hill to see the shows - concerts typically feature a good mix between Bostonians Tufts students.
"What makes Applejam shows different from usual concerts college kids go to is that you get the opportunity to see the band up close," Sullivan said. "Most of the shows don't have a stage, so the band plays on the same level as the audience. This leads to a much more intimate atmosphere."
Most of the bands that play for Applejam aren't aspiring be big and famous rock stars. According to Sullivan, they play music because they love to play music, and are not worried about making it big.
"For the most part, the bands that play at Applejam shows enjoy playing living room shows or basement shows in front of a small crowd, rather than in front of a sold out crowd at the Fleet Center."
This small-town exposure often works to create a rapport between campus and band, offering opportunities for more intimate concerts in the future. "After we book a band, they always feel like they have a home at Tufts," Sullivan said. "If they are in the area again, they usually get in contact with us about doing another show. We have some bands that come back every year or even every semester because they like playing here so much."
Applejam has organized a number of shows within the last month. Two weeks ago, Piebald performed in the Crane Room. Last Tuesday, three groups, Kolya, Rockets Red Glare, and New Idea Society, put on an exciting show at the Crafts House. Applejam's next show takes place this Sunday, Oct. 21 in the Crane Room. Forstella Ford, Hot Cross, City of Catepillars, The Last Forty Seconds, and Advocate will perform. On Dec. 6, Applejam's big fall show will feature Atom and his Package. "It is a fairly well known group and it should be a great concert," Sullivan said
