Every year, the first week of school means new books, foreboding projects and a stressful syllabus. But at the beginning of this semester you can add "free concert" to your otherwise dreary agenda, thanks to a collaboration of the Reitz Union Band Committee and Gator Nights.
Tomorrow, two prominent Gainesville bands, Morningbell and Dear and Glorious Physician, will play a set to help lift the spirits of those suffering from the back-to-school blues.
"This show is so great because it's showing the new students that the university embraces local music," said Eric Atria, bassist for Morningbell.
The bands, which have performed at the Orange and Brew in the Reitz Union many times before, each will be playing 45-minute sets outside in front of the venue, next to the duck pond.
The show will start at 8 p.m. and will conclude by 10 p.m.
Morningbell and Dear and Glorious Physician both have sounds reminiscent of the Talking Heads, but each band adds its own twist to the mix. Morningbell?s psychedelic sounds and Dear and Glorious Physician?s alternative, indie beat will both have the crowd on their feet.
"It's two very entertaining bands that have been around for a while," Atria said. "We go beyond and reach out to people who are listening."
Devoted fans of Morningbell will be welcomed by the familiar glow of the ",100 light show," the low-budget, yet extreme, Christmas light extravaganza that accompanies Morningbell at every performance, Atria said.
Andy Westfall, who plays drums for Dear and Glorious Physician, is looking forward to playing an outdoor venue.
"The vibe we put out is different than a lot of other bands," Westfall said. "Our music is emotional and high energy."
Glory Days Presents, a local music promotions company run by Gainesville resident Pat Lavery, is contributing to the production of the show.
"Having come to Gainesville as a student myself with only a small knowledge of the local music scene, I know how important it is that the college sponsor local music events to educate students on the wide variety of great music that the community has to offer," Lavery said.
Both bands are excited to get their music out to the new student body arriving in Gainesville, the long-time fans, and those just beginning their explorations into the local music scene.
No matter what group you fall into, attending the free concert will start your semester on a high note.
"I think it should be one hell of a show," Atria said.
