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