An exhilarating evening of music unfolded at the Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Connecticut, as the Student Union Board of Governors (SUBOG) hosted its annual festival, UCONNIC 2025. Taking place on April 19, this event showcased a diverse lineup of artists spanning various genres and locations. The night featured performances by Saby, Edgehill, Raveena, and the headlining act, The Driver Era. UConn students DJ ONNAME and DJ NL kept the crowd energized throughout the event with their dynamic mixes of pop and hip-hop hits. Each performer brought unique elements to the stage, captivating the audience with their artistry and energy.
The festival commenced with Saby, a rapper hailing from Connecticut, igniting the crowd with his infectious beats and encouraging everyone to participate in lively dancing. Following Saby was Edgehill, an alternative rock band from Nashville. Their electrifying performance filled the arena with thunderous drums and scorching guitar riffs. Despite the challenging nature of engaging an unfamiliar audience, they received enthusiastic applause for their powerful endings. Additionally, Edgehill introduced calmer moments through passionate ballads, adding depth to their set.
Raveena, an R&B artist known for blending soul and her Indian heritage into her music, captivated the audience with dramatic flair. Accompanied by two dancers holding translucent green sheets, she created suspense before unveiling her presence. Her setlist included popular tracks like "Temptation" and "Secret," maintaining engagement with funky basslines and captivating visuals. Notably, her performance of "Water" stood out, enhanced by dancers flowing with blue sheets, aligning perfectly with the song's lyrical imagery. The performance concluded with a memorable moment involving multiple electric guitarists.
Closing the night was The Driver Era, consisting of brothers Ross and Rocky Lynch. Supported by additional musicians playing drums, keys, and bass, their performance was further enriched by backing vocals. Their fusion of alternative rock and pop resonated strongly with the audience, evident from the constant waving of light sticks. Ross' charismatic stage presence and interactions with the crowd, including shirt unbuttoning antics, elicited screams louder than the music itself. They performed several hits, including "Afterglow" and "Nobody Knows," incorporating a cover of The Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling.” Their finale, "A Kiss," provided a satisfying conclusion to the vibrant musical journey.
Audience reactions varied, highlighting different aspects of the event. Iraj Sunderraj, an incoming biomedical engineering student, appreciated the instrumentals, finding calm music refreshing amidst his usual heavy trap preferences. Wendy Pacheco, a finance student, favored the high-energy performances, particularly those of Ross Lynch and Edgehill. Antonia Tzepos, studying consumer behavior, cherished The Driver Era’s rendition of "Afterglow," a song she had enjoyed for years prior to discovering the band.
The UCONNIC 2025 festival successfully delivered an unforgettable experience through its diverse lineup and energetic performances. Each act contributed uniquely to the overall atmosphere, leaving attendees with cherished memories and a renewed appreciation for live music. The combination of talent, creativity, and audience engagement made this event stand out as a highlight of the year.