Singer and songwriter Alex Goot performed at an outdoor concert on the Residential Quad on Tuesday, September 3, at 7:30 pm. Approximately 300 students attended this free concert that was hosted by the Student Activities Board (SAB).
“Welcome Week” kicked off with live music Goot whose from Poughkeepsie, New York. Students were sprawled out on blankets as they watched Goot perform his playlist of songs including “Lightning” and “Secret Girl.”
SAB gave away flashing neon sunglasses to students that attended the event.
Goot launched his YouTube channel “Goot Music” in 2007. According to Goot’s biography on his YouTube channel, his first recordings consisted of him singing and playing the piano. After a few modifications in production style, Goot gained popularity amongst YouTube viewers. He has over one million followers and is known for his covers such as “22” originally written by Taylor Swift and “Clarity” originally written by Zedd.
Louis Garbarini, Marketing Chair of SAB and senior studying public relations, stated, “This has been a great turn out for our first event of ‘Welcome Week.’ Hopefully our events will have the same turn out and be this much of a success in the future.” Garbarini was extremely pleased with the overall publicity of the event. He added, “The first event for students is normally a great turn out, especially for freshmen, because they look forward to having something fun to do at night with their new friends.”
“SAB had great events on campus for the days of ‘Welcome Week,’” said Jonathon Nunez, junior transfer student from Middlesex County College. “As a transfer student, I barely know anyone on campus and it can feel a little lonely at times, but attending this event helped me socialize and meet new friends. Now I feel more welcome at the University,” said Nunez.
SAB advertised for Goot’s performance through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by sharing their posters that were created for the event. There was also a calendar of events that was distributed to students attending the University.
Kristina Murdock, junior psychology major, is an avid viewer of on campus musical performances. Murdock said, “Goot was amazing and an all-around crowd pleaser. It was a great way to start the new semester hanging out with friends.” Murdock did not know of Goot prior to attending this event, but now she has downloaded his music to her computer. “More people should listen to his music,” said Murdock.
Other SAB events for “Welcome Week” ranged from other outdoor concerts, to mini golf and to comedians.
Garbarini said, “SAB has great events on campus each ‘Welcome Week’ for the new students, and the concerts that are held always tend to be the biggest hit.”
