NoViCE hosts an array of bands at Halloween concert

Rachel Pittinger Staff Writer

Though Halloween falls on a Tuesday this year, NoViCE has plans for a unique weeknight of entertainment that should not be missed. On Tuesday, Oct. 31, from 10 p.m.-1 a.m. in the College Center Multi-Purpose Room, there will be a showcase of an extremely diverse group of bands from all over the world. Concert-goers are strongly encouraged to wear costumes, and candy will be provided. According to co-head of NoViCE Jake Friedman ’07, the show was originally going to feature a couple of small bands, but quickly grew as members of other bands heard about their friends playing at Vassar. The show will feature a two-stage setup with bands rotating for 20-minute sets.

The show will include DJ ARI-UP, a member of the all-girl punk group The Slits, who has toured with
such well-known bands as The Clash. Friedman describes her as “an important part of the British punk scene.” DJ ARI-UP will deejay and freestyle. Also performing are The Plot to Blow up the Eiffel Tower (from San Diego), Green Milk from the Planet Orange (from Tokyo), the Usaisamonster (from Brooklyn, who describe themselves as “experimental, progressive, emo”), The Mall (from San Francisco), Animental, and zOoOoOm. Many of these bands also have upcoming shows in New York City.

Like all of NoViCE’s shows, the Halloween show is free. Indeed, most of the bands are playing for very little money, and are coming primarily to be a part of this exciting performance. NoViCE is advertising the concert on their blog, no-vice.blogspot.com, as well as distributing posters around Vassar, other schools, and local record stores. Furthermore, Friedman said that since “this show is so incredible, and because it’s The Plot to Blow up the Eiffel Tower’s last tour, we are getting tons of online [coverage].” The event is open to the public, and a large turnout is expected.

Friedman and co-head Zach Rottman ’07 are still putting together the schedule for the rest of the year. In the meantime, there will be a show on Saturday, Nov. 11 in the Josselyn House Parlor that will feature an experimental/electronic band called Yip Yip, known for wearing black and white checkered suits while performing against a black and white checkered background. Friedman described them as playing “super hypnotic, demented dance music.” Also performing that night will be Pleaseeasaur, a new Comedy Central spokesperson. December 5 will be the final show of the semester, featuring Taliband, among others.

Friedman emphasized the importance of these free shows as a way for Vassar students to “go out and see live music often…it’s easier to go than not to go.” Plus, the group has the support of WVKR and has access to financial support from Vassar College Entertainment. Since money is not a factor in booking these acts, many bands are coming to Vassar with a greater emphasis on the artistic expression as opposed to material motivations.

All of these shows provide opportunities to see many unheard-of musicians who are trying to find an audience. Friedman and Rottman hope to set a precedent in future years for students to continue the tradition of bringing and supporting live music on campus on a regular basis. Though Friedman says it will be hard to top the Halloween showcase, NoViCE is working on plans for more shows in the spring semester as well.