The Strive and Kennedy Noel performed a live concert at Schwitzer Park on April 15. The show was an event organized by the Campus Program Board for University of Indianapolis students, faculty and staff as part of Commuter Appreciation Week.
The free concert featured rock/pop band The Strive, which has opened for bands such as Fall Out Boy, Taking Back Sunday and Yellowcard and has been featured on the Van’s Warped Tour and in the Red, White and Blue Festival, according to the band’s official website.
Also performing at the concert was pop/rock artist Kennedy Noel, who has worked alongside “American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson in Noel’s duet, “You Have Me.” Noel, who has beaten cancer twice in her life, uses her real-life experiences to find inspiration for her music, according to her website.
“I thought both performances were great. The artists seemed like they really enjoyed playing for us, and everyone around me seemed to be having a good time,” said freshman nursing major and commuter Casey Tennell. “I’m glad they’re doing all of this [Commuter Appreciation Week]. Sometimes, it feels like we get forgotten about, so it’s nice to be noticed and appreciated.”
It was a night of more than just music and dancing for students. The Indian Student Association provided free henna tattoos after it was asked by CPB to set up a booth in Schwitzer Park, according to Indian Student Organization Co-President and junior health science major Aniketh Chavan.
“Henna has always been a part of Indian tradition, and we have organized it many times on campus [before],” Chavan said. “It was a fun experience and there was a huge queue at the booth. We had a great response from the students.”
Students gathered around a bonfire, and a frozen yogurt and toppings bar was provided by Ella’s Frozen Yogurt in Greenwood. Others joined in on sand volleyball games outside of the Schwitzer Student Center during the event, while listening to the concert.
“The music was pretty good, but the frozen yogurt is why I stayed [for the event]” said freshman human biology major and commuter Emily Stern. “It’s really nice to see the effort the university put forth this week to show their appreciation for commuters.”
CPB gave out band T-Shirts, UIndy gear and other prizes to students in attendance.
Commuter Appreciation Week wrapped up on April 16 at 9 p.m. with a viewing of “Star Wars: the Force Awakens” in UIndy Hall A.
