Bumming around

Tight security, diverse acts and food to dominate festival

By Kyle Webster

Posted on April 22, 2004, at 12:00 a.m.

Chris Barter

ROCK STAR - Benjamin Whitney, a former student, performs at Bumstock 2002. This year´s Bumstock will be held Saturday on Bumstock field. Gates open at 12:30 p.m. and the event is free to all UMaine students.

Few traditions at the University of Maine conjure up as much excitement, disappointment and sheer opinionated response as the Bumstock Music Festival.

Following last year’s no-show by expected headliner Fat Joe, student skepticism towards this year’s festival is expected and understandable, but not necessary, according to Erin Smith, director of Bumstock.

“It’s free music for 11 hours,” Smith said. “It’s something for everybody.”

In regard to this year’s headliner, Eve6, she said that there is little likelihood that they won’t show.

“In talking with their management and working with our middle agency, we have a great feeling about this show,” Smith said. “We are looking forward to them coming.”

In addition to the 10:45 p.m. show by Eve6, other highlights of the day include six campus bands, the return of Jeremiah Freed and the DJ tent, which includes an appearance by the Scratch DJ Academy.

“During their first set at 7 p.m. they’ll teach some how to mix,” Smith said. “If you’re in the crowd you may get called up to mix on stage.”

Several student organizations will also be tabling in the field, selling food products and holding various raffles to raise money for their clubs.

Starting at 1 p.m., there will be a free barbecue, complete with burgers, Coke products and other foods. The barbecue will go until food runs out, at which point food will only be available for purchase from those tabling and other various vendors.

For those who want to avoid waiting in long lines, bracelets are available before hand and can be picked up between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Thursday and Saturday at the ticket booth located across from the information booth in Memorial Union. Only students with MaineCards can take advantage of this; all others must purchase their bracelets at the gates on Saturday.

Security will be tight again this year, with two security companies running the gates and public safety officers scattered throughout the crowds. No bags or purses will be allowed, and any potential weapons will be confiscated. According to Lt. Alan Stormann, last year alone a variety of knives and chains were confiscated from attendees. Pocket knives, water bottles, leathermans and anything else that may contain alcohol or be seen as a weapon will be confiscated, so Smith recommends that concert-goers not bring anything but themselves.

“If you bring stuff with you, you’re going to hold up security,” Smith said. “Leave everything at home, just in case.”

Additionally, anyone who appears visibly intoxicated will not be permitted to enter.

“If you come to the event and you are dangerously drunk, they won’t let you in for safety reasons,” Smith said.

This concert marks the 32nd year for the Bumstock Music Festival. It has evolved and grown to what it is today. Regardless of opinion of what it has become or taste in music, Smith encourages all to attend.

“You have Tomorrow’s Retro Future playing at 1 p.m. That may be as important to a student as Jeremiah Freed is with their show,” Smith said. “This has been something that students have been working on for eight months. This is the culmination in 11 hours of music. Why wouldn’t you come?”

Gates open at 12:30 p.m. this Saturday and the festival runs until midnight. Fifteen bands and five DJs will be performing throughout the day. Admittance is free for students and $10 for non-students. This is a 18 and up show with no exceptions.

Campus Currents: Bumstock