The University hosted a black light party called Groove Boston in Boylan Gym on Friday, September 21. Groove Boston is a mobile dance club company that features an all in one production team including black lights, sound, music, stage artists and more.
Megan McGowan, Assistant Director of Student Activities and Student Center Operations said, “Our goal is to change the stereotype of our campus being a suitcase school. The purpose of this event and others like it is to give the students something fun to do on the weekends to encourage them to stay on campus,” McGowan said. Carolyn Walker, the Vice President of Membership and Marketing for the Student Activities Board said, “690 people came, we sold 714 tickets, it was a great success. Students were not really interested in the music from the opening act, That Drummer That DJ, but they loved Groove Boston’s DJ.”
“A lot of people were just standing around in cliques looking bored, which always sucks, but then there’s the people dancing and making the best out of it and they’re the ones that have the most fun.” said Brie Bell, a freshman. “So it wasn’t what I expected it to be but it was still really fun.”
Susan Pagano, sophomore, political science major said, “The effects were so good; it was such a great time spent with friends and all students.”
The finances needed for the event came from the Student Government Associations’ club allocations, said McGowan. Since Groove Boston is an all-in-one production, the school does not have to pay for assets like instruments and set design required during the show. SAB’s money went to the performance itself. The funds made through the student’s ticket money will provide funding for future programs at the University sponsored by SAB. McGowan said, “Ticket prices increased after September 11 because SAB needed to gauge the number of students attending to secure enough security for the event.”
Security at Groove Boston was important so no students were under the influence and a danger to themselves or those around them. McGowan said precautions were set to make sure the students had a fun as well as safe experience. She said the precautions were the same security operations as entering a concert at the MAC on campus or a venue such as PNC Arts Center.
Lucy Russo, Vice President of Major Events for Student Activities said, “A part of throwing these types of events is the risk of student behavior that is beyond our control,” Russo said that warnings were given to the students beforehand so no incidents would occur. Russo, along with many other SAB e-board and general members, put a lot of time and effort into this event and hope it was a good time for everyone. 
SAB’s e-board members including Carolyn Walker, Sami Kofsky, Ashley Bamonte, Casey Inguagiato, Lucy Russo, Kelly Rose Printon, Gennieve Kobus, Christine Olivo, Victoria Day, Joe Pagnotta and Lena Suarez were the stage crew at the event. These individuals, as well as the general members who were involved, helped prepare the event, get the students involved and execute it by helping during the performance.
“We started planning it last semester before we all left for summer break and have been non-stop dedicated to making this event happen. SAB used Facebook, Instagram, Frisbees, bracelets and posters to get the word out to students about the event,” Walker said.
Russo said, “Several e-board members from SAB, including myself, were fortunate enough to attend the National Association for Campus Activities last semester which showcases many acts and performances perfectly suitable for campus environments. We came across an act called That Drummer That DJ and immediately developed the idea of having a large dance light party on campus during Welcome Week,” added Russo.
Groove Boston has been to 31 schools since their start one year ago and have committed to 24 schools for this year, said McGowan. It is increasingly becoming more well-known. The DJ’s, including the two that visited the campus were That Drummer That DJ and DJ Big Al who are already popular in other countries, are now trying to make a name for themselves in the United States.
SAB has been rebuilding over the last three years with a new logo, a fresh start and new goals, said McGowan. She wants the students to see the University as their home. Bringing about new and better programs that encourage students to stay on campus will contribute to making that happen.
IMAGE TAKEN from grooveboston.com
