A group of students seeking to support the new arboretum sprouting across Park Avenue from campus will plant a sonic garden of their own this weekend.
The Sound Garden, held from
1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Penn State Arboretum, features local music groups, including a cappella group Blue in the FACE and alternative rock group Havoc Jack. Admission is free for the event, and there will be free Creamery ice cream, featuring the flavor named after the arboretum, Arboretum Breeze.
The group organizing the event formed through the Leadership Jumpstart class, which requires students to participate in a large-scale service project, said Kelcey Grogan, one of the coordinators.
They're hoping to attract as many students and community members as possible, so The Sound Garden will feature a wide variety of music, ranging from classical to pop to soft rock to bluegrass, Grogan (freshman-community, environment and development) said.
"We wanted something that appeals to everyone, which is true of the arboretum as well, so we wanted to echo that through the music," Grogan said.
Mark Blashford (freshman-broadcast journalism and elementary education) will play his banjo at the event. He thinks it will be a fantastic show -- after all, there will be music, nature and ice cream, he said.
"I am very excited about the ice cream," Blashford said. "I already have stains on my banjo from playing while eating hot wings ... ice cream could be just what I need for a little extra tone."
Adam Jacob (freshman-engineering and statistics) will be playing a duet with Matthew Weaver (freshman-music education), and Jacob said he is excited to hear the different bands and their levels of musical talent.
"I know a really impressive set is lined up, and I can't wait to hear the variety and talent everyone has to offer," Jacob said.
Rock band Under The Radar will also be playing at the event. Band member Brenna Fitzgerald (senior-music education) has never played at the Arboretum before and is excited to have the opportunity.
"I've played a lot in State College and Philly, so I usually don't turn down any opportunity to perform," Fitzgerald said.
None of the Leadership Jumpstart group members had any experience in planning such a large-scale event, but each had his or her own strengths to contribute, said Laura Egan (freshman-world languages education Spanish option), another event organizer.
"We knew we wanted to have a concert, and then when we latched onto the idea of having it at the arboretum, it took off from there," Grogan said.
However, the group has faced some difficulties along the way. They don't have an allocated budget, so they had to rely mainly on fundraising, Grogan said.
But after all the effort of organizing, the entire group is excited for the opening of the first large event for the arboretum.
"I hope they continue to use the arboretum as a resource, a study place or a place to walk around and enjoy the natural beauty of State College," Grogan said.
