Sierra Combs
Contributing Writer

CAB, USF’s campus activity board, kicked off its spring concert “Donaroo” with a bang. Each spring, popular up-and-coming artists grace USF with their talent, music, and entertainment for only ten dollars. And with headliners A-Trak and G-Eazy performing, Donaroo 2015 was no different.

A-Trak is a Canadian DJ, turntablist, record producer, and music label executive; he comprises half of the DJ duo “Duck Sauce,” known for their hit single “Barbara Streisand.” G-Eazy was born and raised in Oakland and maintains a deep connection with the Bay Area.

As a CAB volunteer at the event, I was privy to the ins and outs of the concert. CAB crew, campus security, and additional hired security worked in perfect harmony with one another to keep Donaroo safe, organized, and fun. As a result of their hard work, CAB volunteers and other Donaroo V.I.P. were awarded a meet and greet with the artists.

Hours before the concert doors were opened, social media was abuzz with excitement and anticipation. I was amazed at the long line of students eagerly awaiting entrance to the Koret Gymnasium. As students flooded into the gym, I took in the large stage and lighting that had transformed the workout space overnight into a concert venue. Lounge seating was strategically placed, along with lofted seating to give attendees a bird’s-eye view of the performances. The sold-out show kicked off with USF’s own DJ Pandasian, junior marketing major Dong Phuong Nguyen, who brought the audience to life with his original house mixes. Nguyen notes Steve Angello, Tommy Trash, and Porter Robinson as a few of his favorite musical influences.

A-Trak and G-Eazy light up the stage during Donaroo on February 7, 2015.

A-Trak followed, and the crowd roared with approval. People bumped, jumped, and gyrated to his music. G-Eazy took the stage and the crowd burst into a frenzy of screams and applause. He began with some of his older songs before performing tracks from his newest album, “These Things Happen.” He sang crowd favorites such as, “I Mean it”, “Tumblr Girls”, and “Lets Get Lost” where Devon Baldwin made a stunning appearance dressed all in white.

Blown up images and clips of his music videos flashed on a large screen behind him as he sang. Between each song he took a moment to engage with the audience, who were booming with adoration. Members of his set periodically sprayed the crowd with water which only heightened the enthusiasm in the room.

As the concert came to a close I found myself still filled with the energy of the night. For a few hours, music had managed to bring over a thousand students together to share in the revelries that Donaroo had to offer. This was my very first Donaroo and it did not disappoint. I’m excited to see the artists CAB manages to procure for next year’s show, and I am eager to attend again as a guest and see the concert from a whole new perspective.

Photo Credit: Kristian George/Foghorn