The cafeteria glows with blue and purple light, alive with chatter as people hurry to claim their seats. Musicians and technicians anxiously set up for the opening performance: adjusting lights, tuning instruments, and doing soundchecks. Rocktober Fest, the first Musicians’ Union (MU) concert of the year, is flooded with students, parents, and lingering teachers.
The concert features 19 excellent acts, including: Caleb Delagrave, Molly Hatcher, Evie Packineau, Josh Sajan, Mark Darie, RBA, TBD, WMTJ, Mutiny, Horrify, Coro de Chicas, Shyzee, 28 Green Lights, Oozma Kappa, No Turn On Red, Resonance Peak, Toad, Refenestrate, and Taco Truck Redemption. The immense musical talent covers solo acts, bands, and an acapella group; a diverse bunch spread throughout all of the grades.
A guitar is strummed, photographers fly around the audience capturing every angle, and people sway back and forth with video cameras in hand. Musicians are dressed in costumes like witches, animal onesies, and Men in Black. Captivated by the songs and the excitement, people watch for hours; the event lasting from 6:45 pm to 10:00 pm.
The music unites the school bringing people together to enjoy the show, socialize, and support friends. Each act commands a larger and happier audience, as the talents of Lincoln Sudbury Regional High School take the stage. The courage of each musician is appreciated with applause and cheers.
The musical talent is extreme with so many notable acts including: Evie Packineau’s performance of Maine by Noah Kahan, Mark Darie’s rendition of Master of Puppets by Metallica, Toad’s performance of Aerials by System of a Down, Taco Truck Redemption’s interpretation of Just by Radiohead, and No Turn On Red’s performance of Twist and Shout by the Beatles.
Evie Packineau took on the stage solo; just herself and her guitar, but her extraordinary rendition left quite an impression. Singing Maine by Noah Kahan, her soft and polished vocals along with her guitar skills made for a beautiful performance.
Mark Darie wowed the crowd with his insane guitar skills executing a difficult song impressively. Playing Master of Puppets by Metallica, his talent and stage presence got the crowd moving leaving them mindblown as the song progressed.
Toad delivered all 3 of the songs they played with ease and flair, but Ariels by System of a Down blew the crowd away. Isa Molina’s breathtaking voice combined with the killer technique of Alex Tottenham, Nick Littlefield, and Charlie Tiffany made the performance spectacular.
No Turn on Red, a boy band of seniors, returned for their 4th year as a typical crowd favorite. Playing Twist and Shout by the Beatles, the astounding vocals of Theo Bowne, and their unbelievable and innate instrumental talent easily had the crowd dancing.
Taco Truck Redemption closed out the show with their usual high energy and knack. Performing Just by Radiohead, the crowd was up on their feet rocking out to the astonishing song.
The event was overall super successful in turn out and in entertainment. It brought several different communities together with the love of music. Every act showcased how brilliant the students at LS are through their broad range of skills. The event made for a good time and highlighted how successful and bold LS students are.
