Java Barn members opened the doors for the second annual Melon Fest. On Saturday, nine bands, including two DJs, gathered both inside and outside of Java, performing music for SLU students and the local community. The event was topped off with artwork provided by the Artists’ Guild that lined the walls in Java.
The name of the festival derives from the refreshments the Java members provided such as watermelons and cantaloupes. An idea of having a music festival came from Will Havens ’18 who paired up with people from the Guild. Havens wanted to create a festival for student musicians “because they have always gone to festivals as house trips and he just wanted to challenge himself,” stated Jay Martin ’20, a member of the Java House.
Melon Fest “is our attempt of having a festival that is assessible to everyone on campus,” said Martin. It brings students together and gives them another platform to show off their interests. To accommodate everyone’s hobbies, the Java House members collaborated with the Guild, so it was more than just music.
“It’s a place people can get together and appreciate music, art and togetherness and the welcoming of the nice weather,” stated Zach Effman ’22, a member of the band HUAC. Students enjoyed having a music festival on campus and thought it was a great way to appreciate forms of artistic expression. “There were many different performances that brought different groups of people there, and it was nice to see students’ artwork published,” said Maura McAnaney ’22.
For students, the best part about Melon Fest is that the performers were fellow classmates, and the purpose of the festival is to highlight student talent on campus. “I think it was really cool because we were all there to support each other, and honestly, I did not go for the music, I went to support my friend,” stated Margaret Dener ’22. The tight knit community at St. Lawrence is made evident by the outpouring of students to support their peers.
Melon Fest provides an opportunity for all students on campus to gather together and listen to music while viewing art work. “One thing I feel everyone shares is some sort of interest in music,” said Effman. This interest influences SLU students to take part in Melon Fest, either as a featured artist or a spectator.
Melon Fest provides “a sense of community and inclusiveness at a gathering where all SLU students and members of the Canton community can come together,” said McAnaney. Students hung out, eating food, admiring the art and playing some chess while listening to a diverse range of bands perform.
Our campus provides students with a special feeling of being at home and of belonging to the greater St. Lawrence area. “Not many other schools, especially bigger schools, can hold events like this,” stated McAnaney. “Actually knowing the people performing is something special to SLU.” Students would probably not get this same intimate community at larger colleges and universities.