Reel Big Fish headlines Springfest on May 2

Springfest was somewhat of a quiet affair last year, but more money has booked Reel Big Fish, the biggest name band to grace the stage in recent years. This year's Springfest celebration, which marks the end of classes, will kick off at 1 p.m. May 2 and carry on into the night with Reel Big Fish taking the stage around 9 p.m.

This year's theme 'Keepin' it Green' not only connects the celebration to the much awaited spring season but also gives back to the planet and makes sure everyone understands the importance of being environmentally friendly.

All of the Springfest T-shirts have been made from organic materials and were produced by a company that is environmentally friendly. Also, some of the giveaway items for the weekend are organically made, including totes that bear the Springfest logo.

Both the T-shirts and totes bear designs created by junior Maryann Cali, who, along with Springfest Committee Co-Chair junior Josh Kjell, planned the entire event.

As one of the biggest bands to come to campus in recent years, Reel Big Fish has undoubtedly caught the attention of Ripon College and students around the area.

With an arsenal of witty stage banter and lively songs, they put on an interactive show.

"I feel their music is really upbeat and that is what this campus needs for that day," says Cali. "Everybody has high expectations for Springfest and Reel Big Fish can live up to that."

Cali also notes that when SMAC conducted a campus wide survey asking what kind of music students wanted for Springfest, many students were in favor of ska, which combines the styles of Caribbean music with American jazz and rhythm and blues.

In lieu of allocating more money to funding a bigger band, SMAC will not be renting any inflatables for the event this year.

Instead, other, low-budget activities will fill the day such as ladder golf, bean bag toss, and washer boxes from 1-4 p.m. All of these events are being coordinated by Ryan Dwyer, director of intramurals. Interested students may sign up in the fitness center.

In addition, a Dave Matthews Tribute band will be playing on the patio of the union throughout the day, with WRPN filling in during breaks.

Bands opening for Reel Big Fish will start playing at 8 p.m. on the Memorial Lawn across from the Commons.

This year's openers include Truth in Fiction and Sofakingdom. Truth in Fiction is a powerpop/rock band whose influences include Yellowcard, Fountains of Wayne and Fall Out Boy, while Sofakingdom, whose music is of the alterna-pop genre, plays songs with some pop, acoustic and folk flavors.

There are also many other events planned and SMAC will be handing out giveaways throughout the day.

Some of the student performances include the Dance Team at 1:45 p.m., and the Belly Dance Team, which will take the stage both at 1:30 and 5:15 p.m. All dance performances will take place on the back steps of the union.

"I'd like to see the majority of the campus come out and participate in this event," says Cali. "Josh Kjell and I have put in a lot of work for this to happen and we want people to be respectful of that, but most of all to have a good time."

If there are any events that students would like to see included in future Springfest celebrations, they can get involved in the planning process by joining SMAC, which can be done by e-mailing Chelsey Foster, SMAC president or Cali, SMAC vice president, joining the Springfest committee or by coming to SMAC meetings held every Tuesday at 8 p.m.