Probably one of the most commonly heard words that comes up in discussions about this University is "diversity." We hang it like a banner across campus publications and information packets that get sent out to prospective students. It's true: our campus is an extremely diverse and varied community, which is one of those things that attracts so many students to the Hill. Diversity not only applies to beliefs, race, skin color, religion, or geographic background, but also to musical tastes.
Within our relatively small community, we have an extremely prolific musical scene. Punk, rock, pop, Britney, metal, electronica - whatever - if it exists, someone at Tufts probably listens to it. Which brings me to Spring Fling. Every year, the concert board, supposedly a diverse mixture of campus musical interests and tastes, selects three professional groups to play at Spring Fling, the largest party we have at this school. The editorial published in Tuesday's Daily entitled "Stranger than Fiction" speaks of the "disappointing Concert Board announcement of the Spring Fling lineup." I couldn't disagree more.
I, personally, am a fan of jambands. I was ecstatic to hear that moe., a band I have seen a number of times live, will be headlining the big show this year. And to top it off, one of the greatest reggae outfits ever, Toots and the Maytals, will be going on before them. For me, this is the best Spring Fling I have seen here and, in all liklihood, it will be the best one.
Last year, I was as disappointed as the author of this editorial is today. Guster, a band I don't feel too strongly about, was going to be one of the big attractions while progressive rappers Jurassic 5 and funkmasters Original P completed the lineup. Last year, I would've written the same article, criticizing Concert Board for its shortsightedness in the selection. Realistically, Spring Fling is not all about the music. It wasn't for me the past two years. Better than Ezra? Seriously? Ezra must really suck. Come on people, Spring Fling is about the party. It's about the end of school, the beginning of our Summers, and the general campus-wide, all-day drinking. The music is there, whether you are listening or not, and it's your choice to listen.
Last year, I spent most of my Spring Fling at the back of the lawn, lying around with a bunch of friends, having a great time. I couldn't even tell you anything about Guster's set. By the time the headliner comes on, the party has kicked into its final phase. For Original P, there weren't even that many people listening, enjoying the show. The majority of the students had either left to sober up and get ready for the night, or were still wandering around the back of the lawn, having water fights and having fun. In reality, Spring Fling is a four-year long extravaganza. Each year you get a different group of three bands, for a total of 12 over your four years at Tufts. You're obviously not going to like each one. In fact, you might not like any of them. This is the first year a jamband has been selected, and I couldn't be happier. Next year, your favorite act might be coming. Or maybe that happened last year, or maybe it will be in a few more.
Over my three years here, I commend Concert Board for their diversity in choosing the Spring Fling acts. The editorial suggests that moe. will just put everyone to sleep. They will certainly not, as they are more pure rockers than long-winded improvisational spaceouts. And if you don't like moe. or Toots, there's always next year.
Jacob Cohen is a junior majoring in music.
