So, congratulations are in order, New Student, as the moment you’ve been waiting for since first opening your acceptance letter is finally here. You’re living on your own in a college town, wild and unencumbered, free to do whatever you want with your time. And it is your time. Only, as Seneca mused long before you in his essay “De Brevitate Vitae,” your time is too precious to be wasted in your apartment drinking the warm Natty Light purchased for you by an older sibling or the “cool guy” who lives across the hall. But don’t worry, I know what you’re thinking. You’re worried about how to spend your first few weeks in Gainesville. You know, before you find the graphic design major willing to print you a convincing enough fake ID saying you’re from some small town in Iowa that a door guy won’t know enough to ask questions about? Well, fear not, my little, chickadees. The good news is there’s plenty to do in Gainesville, and the even better news is I’m going to recommend one of those things to you right now.
On Aug. 30, UF’s own Orange and Brew will open its doors (for free) to showcase some of Gainesville’s very own local musicians. And you’ll probably want to go for the following reasons:
1. Supporting local music makes you cool.
It’s true. And here’s why: because let’s face it, from 18 to 30 years old, the ability to recite a band name no one else has heard of is currency in the college culture war. Get a head start on your eruditional riches by telling your friends (or strangers you’re trying to impress) about the soulful sounds of Morningbell, the folk stylings of Michael Clayton and his friends, and the encompassing musical ability of Matthew McCagg. People will be so impressed, there’s risk of cerebral combustion!
2. If you don’t support local music, Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift will marry and have a reality TV show titled “Baby baby baby baby baby.”
Yes, with increased revenue, thanks to your lack of interest in local music, The Biebs and Mrs. The Biebs will reign supreme in the music industry and monopolize what could have been the next big thing. Local musicians dream of bringing their music to the masses on a national scale for the purpose of forwarding musical progress. What are you trying to do, kill their dreams? Are you a dream killer now?
3. Maybe you’ll be inspired to start your own band.
This one is self-explanatory. Everyone knows being in a band makes you cool.
4. Mamihlapinatapei
This is a Yagan word, an indigenous language of Tierra del Fuego. It is the wordless, yet meaningful look shared by two people who desire to initiate something, but are both too scared to make the first move. Except now you have an icebreaker for after you lock eyes with someone in the course of the evening’s mellifluous melodies. You can say, “Are you familiar with Mamihlapinatapei?” And the owner of the aforementioned eyes will say, “No.” And the next thing you know people are throwing rice at you because you’re married. You’re welcome.
5. It’s free, and there’s nothing on TV Aug. 30.
The Olympics are over and everything else is a rerun. I would know, because I am a reliable journalist, and I checked Tvguide.com. Also, you have no monetary excuse not to be there. It’s free. So, again, you can go to Orange and Brew Aug. 30 and see great bands, be inspired to start your own band, prevent the musical apocalypse with your support, fall in love or stay in and drink warm beer with no one to keep you company but your tired and boring TV. It’s your time, not mine.
Orange and Brew is located on the ground floor of the Reitz Union. They serve sandwiches, paninis, soup, salad, coffee and beer.
