Replay: Springfest 2024

Springfest 2024 Overview

On Sunday, April 14th, MUSIC Matters brought a vibrant close to the 2024 winter semester with the much-anticipated annual Springfest! South State Street and North University Avenue buzzed with activity, featuring food trucks, pop-up shops, and interactive tables from various student organizations, local businesses, and sponsors. This lively event showcased the creativity, talent, and community spirit of Ann Arbor.

Student Performances

The day stage was set up just off of North University Avenue and featured student performances during Springfest. Dance groups such as 1_Take, DAEBAK 3, Pure Dance, and FemaleGayo mesmerized audiences with their dynamic routines. These performances ranged from student-choreographed jazz pieces to energetic K-pop cover dances, showcasing the diverse talents of the University of Michigan's students.

Not Even Really Drama Students added a delightful theatrical twist to the stage with their performance, drawing appreciation and applause from the crowd.

Springfest also featured an array of student music groups. GROOVE brought the rhythm with their powerful percussion performances, while DJs A Cappella and Gimble A Cappella captivated the audience with their vocal performances. Each performance highlighted the dedication and hard work of these talented student musicians.

Daystage Bands

Later in the day, the northwestern part of the Diag transformed into a concert venue. Friends and community members gathered on the grass to enjoy performances from a lineup of fantastic student bands. Little Spoons, Ani Mari & Co, North Ingalls Band, Cedar Bend, The Third Degree, Tarps Off, and VUP delivered a range of musical styles, creating a perfect soundtrack for a sunny and warm spring afternoon. The relaxing atmosphere, combined with the diverse musical acts, made this a highlight of Springfest.

Community Partners and Student Organizations

Our 2023-2024 CoMMunity Partners, SHEI Magazine and The Lookout Project, hosted interactive tables where attendees could engage with their missions and learn more about their impactful work. SHEI Magazine, a student-run fashion, arts, and culture magazine, offered insights into their latest issues and initiatives. Meanwhile, The Lookout Project brought awareness to valuable information on addiction, particularly through advocating for criminal justice reform and providing free opioid overdose prevention resources. They, alongside other student and local organizations, provided an opportunity for learning to the Ann Arbor community.

Night Concert

Following a day of festivities, MUSIC Matters concluded Springfest 2024 with a nighttime concert at the iconic Michigan Theater. The evening of April 15th was filled with performances that left the audience in awe and capped off a fantastic showcase of community and talent.

The concert began with an impressive set by Hemmingway Lane, an Ann Arbor-based band whose performance set the perfect tone for the night. The energy continued to build as the highly anticipated headliner, Alexander 23, took the stage. His performance of songs such as “IDK You Yet” and “Crash,” coupled with his engaging stage presence and University of Michigan-related jokes and commentary, resonated deeply with the audience, creating a memorable experience for all in attendance.

Wrap-Up

Springfest 2024 was a successful celebration of student talent and community engagement. The event brought together food, music, dance, theater, and interactive activities, creating a festive and inclusive environment for all attendees. As we look forward to future events, the memories of this year's Springfest will undoubtedly inspire continued collaboration and creativity within the Ann Arbor and University of Michigan community.

MUSIC Matters is already planning for next year, and we are looking forward to more exciting events and opportunities to showcase the creativity of students and community members alike. Stay tuned for what MUSIC Matters has in store for next year, and thank you to everyone who made Springfest 2024 an incredible success!

Photos provided by Esther Hur, Lindsay Vondell, and Kevin McPoland

The shows that go on(line)

Usually, around this time of year we come together to announce the SpringFest artist and get ready for an amazing festival. We would be less than three weeks out from our favorite day of the year. Sadly, due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, it is with a heavy heart that we announce SpringFest 2020 will not be taking place. 

While we are disappointed that we won’t be able to put on our annual festival, the priority of MUSIC Matters is the safety and health of the Ann Arbor community. Our leadership team is determined to take the hard work everyone has put into this year and fuel it into an incredible SpringFest 2021. Until then, we are at home, taking care of each other, listening to music, and dreaming of springtime in Ann Arbor.

We may not physically be together to appreciate the unifying power of music, but we can still find ways to stay sane, connect with each other, and spread positivity through music. Below are some ways we can still enjoy concerts and good tunes from the comfort of our homes. 

Sometimes the best concerts come from a Tiny Desk 

NPR has been cultivating intimate performances by hosting an ongoing live music series: Tiny Desk Concerts. Artists and bands get to perform their hit songs in an intimate, stripped down office setting. No artist is too big or small to perform these shows, so there is a unique catalog of concerts. Check out popular artists like Chance the Rapper, Mac Miller, and Harry Styles, or explore others and find your new favorite artist. 

Host a Zoom Karaoke Night or Virtual Choir

Video messaging platforms like Zoom have been a means for continuing class lectures, but they can also be used as a way for you and your friends to sing along together. Self-isolation has not stopped choirs and orchestras across the country from gathering to perform songs together, and we can follow suit. Get your friends together, sing some songs, and pretend like it’s a Tuesday night at Good Time Charley’s. 

Watch artists make the most of staying home by performing music in their rooms. 

Rolling Stone is starting an “In My Room” video series of artists recording mini concerts in their homes. 3 “concerts” are posted a week, and so far artists like Elton John, Graham Nash, and Yola have put on shows to digital audiences. Follow Rolling Stone on Instagram and enjoy artists try to navigate life at home just like the rest of us. 

Find and make new playlists  

We all have certain songs that immediately transport us back to a vivid memory or remind us of a specific person. Spend the day curating a playlist of nostalgic classics for yourself or vibey tunes for your friends. Or, take time to listen to playlists that are Made For You on Spotify and discover new jams. There are millions of songs at your fingertips; use this time to find and share your favorites. 

While we adjust to a new way of living from home, feeling lost, anxious, and upset are all normal, and valid, feelings. It’s important to understand that social distancing is only physical; we can still connect with one another and share positivity in other ways. The world will fall back in order eventually, and it will make going to concerts, sharing headphones, and karaoking with friends a little more special. For now, MUSIC Matters sends out a virtual hug to the Ann Arbor community, and we cannot wait to dance and sing together when we are all back on campus.

RECAP: SpringFest 2019

On April 16th, MUSIC Matters held our 7th annual social impact lifestyle festival, SpringFest. The daytime portion of the event was held from 11am-4pm between South State Street and North U and access was free and open to the general public. The area was packed with interactive art installations, an assortment of food trucks, student-run campus organizations, artisans, start-up companies, and pop-up shops. Throughout the day, the area was host to various dance performances and musical performances, including by MUSIC Madness competition participants OSSI Music, Sabbatical Bob, and Wes on the day stage. The daytime festival was a huge success, and we were happy to see and serve students from across all corners of campus.

Another favorite aspect of SpringFest 2019 was the amazing arts activities that were offered throughout the day! Live in Color, a social impact organization at the university that aims to enhance the atmosphere in campus buildings and hallways through color and design, collaborated with MUSIC Matters to build a large interactive mural that festival-goers were able to paint and contribute to. We captured time-lapse footage of the mural progress throughout the day as well, so keep an eye out for that exciting video that will be posted our social media!

Our Community Partners were a large focus of the SpringFest daytime festival, and we are thankful to have had the opportunity to share the projects that they have been working on this year. Heal-Move-Shift held a “treat-yo-self” station, complete with self-care activities and goodie bags in preparation for the impending school finals season, and we are excited to involve them in SpringFest again next year! Michigan Movement, our other Community Partner this year, was also a large contributor to the success of the day; they held a guessing game to teach festival-goers what goes into their typical care packages for the homeless, what does not, and why. In addition, they showcased artwork by a student on campus that highlighted the experiences of the homeless population and the impact that Michigan Movement has had on the population since their founding.

SpringFest was capped off with our nighttime benefit concert, which was held in Hill Auditorium starting at 7pm. The night was kicked off with Jeff Basta, who was followed by by our very own treasurer, who goes by the stage name Namix. MUSIC Madness competition first place winner Tracy Money and rapper B Free were our next two performers, and were followed by our concert headliner, A$AP Ferg. We were proud to showcase A$AP Ferg, the event was a huge success, and we cannot wait for SpringFest 2020!

SF Preview: Food

SpringFest is not only a celebration of the U of M community but also a celebration of food! As always, we will be bringing a variety of local flavors to Springfest 2019. Whether you are craving some authentic Mexican tacos, a chicken shawarma sandwich, or are simply looking to grab a cup of coffee, SpringFest is the place for you! We are thrilled to announce that we will be hosting the following food trucks and carts at this year’s festival, and encourage you to check them out:

Bearclaw Coffee Company:

The Bearclaw Coffee Company was founded in Chelsea, Michigan, and has been at the forefront of mobile coffee and event catering services for over a decade. Their mission is simple: “to make customers feel like family and serve the highest quality coffee.” While they began with the creation of their Mobile Coffee Fleet, they now proudly serve the Bearclaw Signature Blend at five locations. Bearclaw only uses 100% compostable World Centric cups, lids, and sleeves, and for every cup purchased, and World Centric donates 25% of their profits to grassroots social and environmental organizations.

Shimmy Shack:

Shimmy Shack is Michigan’s first and only 100% vegan and gluten-free food truck. Their goal is to reduce animal suffering, promote healthier food choices, and have a positive impact on the environment. They aim to remove the stigma attached to the word ‘vegan’ and showcase just how tasty and filling vegan food can be. Majority owner (and operator) Debra Levantrosser describes a Shimmy Shack as “a healthier fast food option” that serves all of the familiar favorites: burgers, fries, shakes, chili, nachos, and cookies.

Detroit Dough:

Detroit Dough is a food cart company that was founded in the summer of 2017 by Detroit residents Autumn Kyles, Victoria Washington, and Daniel A. Washington. While they have not opened up a permanent store yet, they have been working with local companies to expand their product nationwide through events such as SpringFest! Detroit Dough’s signature menu item is their Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and they will be bringing all of their wonderful, safe-to-eat cookie dough to SpringFest this month.

Truckshuka:

Truckshuka was established in January of 2017 by Benji Benoliel, who had recently come to Detroit from Jerusalem. He serves authentic Israeli street food, offering customers the opportunity to try food not typically seen within the food truck scene. His authentic Jerusalem street favorite eats are influenced by Michigan flavors, and all of the dishes are made from scratch. As the company grows, Benji aims to make a positive impact in multiple communities and to continue making healthy, tasty, authentic food at a fair price.

Regina’s Food Truck:

Regina’s Food Truck is one of the premier afternoon meal locations of southeast Michigan. The truck embodies the flavors and traditions of authentic Mexican cuisine and offers food rich in both flavor and culture. The truck is run by Regina herself, who, at the age of seven, moved to Troy, Michigan from Mexico. She wanted to bring her passion for Mexican food and culture to the United States, and thus, Regina’s Food Truck was born. Regina’s offers steak, chicken and vegetarian options, and proudly serves “something for everyone!”

Detroit BBQ Company:

Detroit BBQ Company began with a few men selling ribs and chicken at the Grosse Pointe Park farmers market in 2009, and business quickly took off after their participation in the inaugural “Pig and Whiskey” festival, hosted by the Detroit Metro Times. In 2014, they purchased a BBQ trailer, complete with a 500lb capacity smoker, and the rest is history. Their mission is to “provide the highest quality smoked meats at a fair price and with excellent customer service.” They aim to sell out each and every day, and SpringFest on April 16th will be no exception!

Toaster Truck Detroit:

Toaster Truck Detroit is the newest mobile food truck serving gourmet, open-faced sandwiches in the Metro Detroit area. Their health-focused menu features breakfast and lunch foods, such as their signature open-faced sandwiches, as well as some sweet selections like their peanut butter and banana toast. Toaster Truck also provides customers the opportunity to build their own toast, and proudly serves freshly brewed Great Lakes Coffee cold brew and nitro cold brew!

For SpringFest 2019, you can get special discounts when you use Apple Pay Cash on select menu items at the food trucks. There will also be push carts at the festival giving away a limited number of metal water bottles when you text money to a friend with Apple Pay!

Seven exciting food trucks and a dessert cart will be featured at SpringFest 2019 with discounted food items available for purchase when you use Apple Pay Cash. Attendees without Apple Pay Cash may still purchase food from our trucks at the regular menu prices.

SF Preview: Student Organizations

Each year at SpringFest, organizations across campus gather to showcase all of the hard work that they have been doing and the projects they have been working on. Festival-goers are able to meet representatives from these organizations and are encouraged to participate in activations during SpringFest related to the organizations’ values and missions. This year, we are excited to be showcasing over 100 projects and student organizations, including:

SAPAC:

Who They Are:

SAPAC is the Sexual Assault and Prevention Awareness Center at the University of Michigan. The organization “teaches non-violence and equality, supports survivor healing, and fosters a respectful and safe environment for all members of the University of Michigan community.” They provide services for those who have experienced sexual assault, intimate partner violence, sexual harassment, and stalking, and aim to empower the students, faculty, and staff at the university. They serve all backgrounds, religions, sexual orientations, and gender and social identities.

SpringFest Activation:

At SpringFest, they will be sharing information about their organization and mission, involving festival-goers in a live-action bystander activity, and handing out zines of poetry, artwork, and stories.

DMUM:

Who They Are:

DMUM is the Dance Marathon at the University of Michigan (DMUM). It is a student-run, non-profit organization, dedicated to raising funds and awareness for pediatric rehabilitation programs at the C.S. Mott and Beaumont Children's Hospitals. Each year, the organization holds VictorThon, an event where each member stands for 24 hours straight to raise money and show support for the children that are involved in these rehabilitation programs. DMUM was founded in 1997 and, since then, has raised over $5,500,000!

SpringFest Activation:

At SpringFest, they will be sharing information about their organization and inspiring others to join in their incredible efforts through an engaging dance activity.

He for She:

Who They Are:

He for She, founded in 2014 by the UN, is a global solidarity campaign for the advancement of gender equality. The U of M chapter of HeForShe has been raising awareness of these gender inequalities and advocating for change in the community since 2016. HeForShe believes that gender and sexuality are spectrums, not binaries, and often works directly with United Nations Women to further their mission.

SpringFest Activation:

At SpringFest, they will be sharing information about gender inequalities within the music industry and have an interactive art display.

Mcity:

Who They Are:

Mcity is a 32-acre mock city located on the University of Michigan North Campus, built for the testing of wirelessly connected and driverless cars. The goal of the testing is to “bring together industry, government, and academia to advance transportation safety, sustainability, and accessibility for the benefit of society.” The research done at Mcity draws from the knowledge and expertise of U of M faculty and researchers within fields such as engineering, public policy, law, business, social sciences and urban planning.

SpringFest Activation:

SpringFest will feature one of Mcity’s innovative driverless vehicles.

EnspiRED:

Who They Are:

EnspiRED, founded in 2006, is a student organization at the University of Michigan that aims to highlight the arts and artists on campus. They “serve as an advocate of the arts through several outlets including but not limited to singing, dancing, painting and so much more.” While they host a variety of events throughout the year, the largest is their annual charity fashion show, RAW, where they showcase pieces from local designers.

Involvement:

They will be participating in MUSIC Matters’s annual fashion show on April 13th.

Consider Magazine:

Who They Are:

Consider Magazine is a point/counter-point publication that aims to provide an open forum for discussion of significant issues facing those at the University of Michigan and beyond. Consider also runs a website that features electronic versions of issues and blog posts on various topics.  They “aim to create discussion on campus that is avoided in this technology generation.” They offer the opportunity for others to form their own opinions, as opposed to “preaching.”

SpringFest Activation:

They will have a SpringFest edition of their magazine, entitled: What Moves You?

Friends for St. Jude:

Who They Are:

Friends for St. Jude supports St. Jude Children's Research Hospital as they improve means of prevention and cures for pediatric cancer. Because St. Jude Children's Research Hospital receives around 80% of its funds from donors, Friends for St. Jude’s efforts are incredibly impactful to the hospital and its efforts to advance cancer treatments and find new and innovative cures. The organization hosts an Annual Collegiate Gala, as well as other fundraisers, to help pay for patients' treatments and advance research.

SpringFest Activation:

At SpringFest, Friends for St. Jude will provide festival-goers the opportunity to send something handmade to the children at St. Jude’s Hospital.

Wolverine Support Network:

Who They Are:

The Wolverine Support Network is an organization dedicated to empowering University of Michigan students to “create an inclusive community and support each other’s identity, mental well-being, and day-to-day lives through peer-facilitated groups and bi-weekly community events.” Each year, they host an event called “MI-SPIN” that promotes the benefits of exercise on mental health. Students are encouraged to create teams and cycle for 6 hours to raise money for the Wolverine Support Network so that they can continue to create a positive impact on the community.

SpringFest Activation:

At SpringFest, they will be hosting a WSN Wellness Zone, having KIND Bar giveaways to spread positive messages about mental health, featuring an interactive art display, holding guided meditation sessions, and much more!

We cannot wait to showcase the many organizations and projects that our campus holds, and are incredibly proud to be working alongside these organizations to create an incredible day with a variety of learning and involvement opportunities!

A Look Back on SpringFest '18

- Courtney Fortin, Marketing

While working hard to plan this year’s highly anticipated SpringFest, MUSIC Matters members have been reminiscing on last year’s successful festival. Last April, University of Michigan students and the surrounding Ann Arbor community joined together for a fun-filled day, complete with art installations, a fashion show, food trucks, performances by local artists, and so much more. Over 60 student organizations united on the Diag and N. University Ave. to highlight the diverse passions and interests within the Michigan community. Whether they received a henna tattoo and learned about Sikhism from the Sikh Student Association or splattered paint at SpringFest’s Chill Zone with mental wellness clubs, festival-goers were able to learn about all of the wonderful community outreach endeavours within campus organizations. In addition to all of these great clubs, local boutiques like Bivouac, Motivation, and York Project brought in merchandise to further display all the Ann Arbor community has to offer.

SpringFest not only provided a platform for student organizations and local Ann Arbor businesses to showcase their products and initiatives, but it was also an incredible opportunity for MUSIC Matters to raise money for and spread awareness of our social ventures. Last year was the fifth year of putting on the campus-uniting festival, but it was the first year that MUSIC Matters introduced a grant program to assist other social action groups on campus. In 2017, MUSIC Matters launched our CoMMunity Partnership with Books for a Benefit, a nonprofit student organization dedicated to promoting literacy to students in southeast Michigan. Through funding and volunteering, MUSIC Matters ultimately helped BFB construct a library for the Flint community. In addition, festival-goers were encouraged to write their favorite books on bookshelves that would later be donated to BFB as well. Overall, through SpringFest, MUSIC Matters was able to create an unforgettable day that would benefit the Ann Arbor community for years to come.

The festival was capped off at night with an electrifying performance from Louis the Child and Lost Kings. While in past years MUSIC Matters has brought in various artists, such as 2Chainz, J Cole, Lil Yachty, and Migos, last year’s performance was especially unique because it was the first time that our organization brought in an electronic dance headliner. Louis the Child, who have previously headlined Coachella and Bonnaroo, enthralled the crowd at Hill Auditorium, and proceeds from the concert, as well as our fundraising efforts, further aided MUSIC Matters in supporting the missions of our CoMMunity Partners. Whether they knew it or not, everyone who attended either the day or night portion helped contribute to sparking social change in the community.

MUSIC Matters is excited to make the 2019 SpringFest bigger and better. This year, our partners are Heal-Move-Shift and Michigan Movement, and can’t wait to surpass last year’s fundraising amount by organizing an even more incredible SpringFest experience for the Ann Arbor community. We have already begun preparations for the event, and cannot wait to see all of our hard work come to fruition on April 16th.