At the third annual Music on McKinley event, students wandered over to the University Green to listen to tunes other than the bell tower's chimes.
They sat in the grass or stood to watch students do what they enjoy most: performing.
At one of the music stations, audience members watched as third-year telecommunications major T.J. Fields sang and simultaneously played harmonica and strummed on an acoustic guitar.
"I'm just here to play," Fields said. "It's just something I do to do and for nothing else."
Students walked by University Green for free pizza from the Student Government Association or treats from the Journalism Education Association.
Event chairwoman Allison DeWitt said she worried that students would get the free food and go back to their evening plans, but she said this wasn't a concern once the performances began.
"I have always loved music and the arts, and I knew I wanted to be involved with an event that's newer, different and appeals to both BSU and the Muncie community, so Music on McKinley was a great match," DeWitt said.
While students stood in line for pizza, others began to huddle around the musicians sitting in their chairs.
"I'm very happy with the participation level," DeWitt said. "The event is definitely growing."
As the night went on, more students stopped by as they walked out of Bracken Library, left the David Letterman Communication and Media Building, or were just coincidentally outside enjoying the weather.
Besides musicians, vendors were set up between artists for students to stop by and get free goods like Frisbees.
The Student Foundation offered Chirp T-shirts, and Alpha Phi Alpha offered voter registration.
Charlie Cardinal made a special appearance and seemed to be enjoying the artists as well.
Talent Search original composition winner Ben Clark sang and played his guitar. Before the event, Clark said he "often enjoys playing in grassy fields" and loves playing for people.
As the first shift of musicians moved out, freshmen Ryan Oelker and Mark Spelde sang punk rock cover songs and used a laptop for lyric references.
DeWitt said she hoped future events would be as successful.
"I'd love to see this grow all over McKinley," she said.
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