On Saturday, April 22nd, Aminé lit up the 2023 Springtime of Youth stage in a blaze of vividblights and colorful visuals. The rapper’s captivating moves and stage presence electrified thebcrowd and caused them to dance with him, the students reveling in the energy of that night.
What began as a solo concert series in 2007 blossomed into a full festival by 2015. Thebstudent-led Headliners Concert Committee is responsible for planning the event and selectingbartists to perform each year. Artists such as Dominic Fike, AJR, Kesha, Bleachers, Diplo andbWiz Khalifa graced the stage in previous years.
As a first-year student, this was my first time attending Springtime of Youth, and I was captivated by the atmosphere. Hundreds of students donned vibrant clothing and indulged in treats from the several food trucks at the venue. Before the music even began, it was already a day to remember.
This year’s lineup boasted a diverse range of artists, including headliner Aminé, Grouplove, FayebWebster, Shygirl and UA Battle of the Bands winner Ted Hammig and the Campaign. AnnabDraper, Headliners Chair, said that extensive planning went into obtaining these artists, andbpreparation began this past November.
“It’s a really unique opportunity, because there’s never going to be another time in your life ever again where you’ll be able to go to a concert or music festival for 100% free,” Draper said. “Just making that really accessible to people is something that Headliners is there for. Especially since it’s around the end of the year with finals coming up, it’s a good way for people to come and have fun with their friends that doesn’t cost them anything.”
“We want people to go into the festival, have a good time, and be in communities that they know are related to one another. We want everyone to be able to experience what music is like, so why not be able to experience it with all your closest friends.”
Shygirl
The festival showcased a diverse range of musical styles and genres. Ted Hamming and the Campaign opened with class rock-and-roll, followed by Shygirl’s confidently charismatic performance, in which she encouraged the audience to embrace their beauty and sensuality. Faye Webster engaged the crowd with her soulful indie-alternative sound and intimate conversation, answering the audience’s questions about her music and even her favorite Pokemon. Festival-goers were anything but tongue-tied as Grouplove took the stage next, entertaining the students with their quirky, high-energy tunes.
Many students experienced sets from artists they had been following for a long time and created long-lasting memories with fellow students. Freshman Joia Travier said she had been a Grouplove fan for years and it was amazing to hear them in person.
Faye Webster
“I was really excited to meet people that liked similar things as me,” Traver said. “Sometimes it’s hard to find that clique of people with such a big campus. Everyone was just having a good time and listening to music. It was a refreshing break from studying and school work.”
The festival also embraced environmentalism in promotional elements and the event itself. “This year, we really wanted to lean into the Earth Day elements since our festival is on Earth Day,” Marshall said. “We really have subtle elements within our graphic design just to pay homage to it.”
Headliners also incentivized students to help keep the environment clean by offering free merch in exchange for filling a trash bag with waste.
The Springtime of Youth festival was an incredible celebration of music, friendship and environmental consciousness. I look forward to years of attending this festival, an escape from the hectics of academics and a true testament to the magic of music.
Photos by Shane White
