Since its inception, OzFest has been the subject of much scrutiny by Oswego State students. Serving as the alternative option to the Bridge Street Run pub crawl, OzFest was the product of the Student Association Programming Board in 2015 to provide students with a year-end event that could satisfy the unofficial loss of the pub crawl.
However, the first two events have been inconsistent, to say the least and students have not been shy about expressing their feelings about it.
The inaugural OzFest remains arguably the most successful execution of the event, due largely to the starpower in the musical lineup of hip-hop heavyweights Big Sean, B.o.B. and Mac Miller. The presence of such recognizable musical acts made for a significant turnout from Oswego State students, as it was seemingly crucial for the first OzFest to knock it out of the park in order for students to remain excited for the future events. This incredible attempt to provide students with a year-end event to be excited for came with a price, figuratively and literally.
The first OzFest was costly as the performers brought in were not cheap. This, arguably, could have factored in to the 2016 festival, which boasted a lineup that was received as mediocre, despite having Flo Rida as the headliner, another performer with starpower. The event itself was a mess, with Flo Rida arriving late for his performance and rapper Dej Loaf not showing over a dispute with her plane ticket. Ultimately, students left with a negative perception about OzFest.
After two events, OzFest has yet to find its identity. The 2015 and 2016 events starkly contrast one another. Students wonder which type of OzFest they will be presented with moving forward.
On Sunday, the performers for the 2017 festival were announced as DNCE and A-Boogie Wit Da Hoodie to a mixed reception once again.
On one hand, some students will recognize DNCE for their hit “Cake by the Ocean,” that peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in 2016 and may find some excitement in the fact that one of the group’s members is Joe Jonas, formerly of the popular band the Jonas Brothers.
On the other hand, other students may be slightly unsure of who A-Boogie Wit Da Hoodie is given his underground status.
Regardless of the performers’ starpower, or the inconsistency of the event itself, it is the effort put forth by SA that should be appreciated. In 2015, SA undertook the tough assignment in providing a form of entertainment to a group of college students that could dissuade them from participating in the BSR. To SA’s credit, they have worked tirelessly to book popular artists that appeal to Oswego State students and have been successful in creating a festival with numerous activities for students to take part in.
Students should not base the success of OzFest on the popularity of the scheduled performers. It should be based on the entertainment and celebration of successfully completing another strenuous academic year.
