VGR back-to-school bash showcases 9 bands

The crowd was filled with laughter and loud conversation as the speakers echoed down the streets from Village Green Records in the Village Saturday night.

DMA was the first to take the stage as the crowd outside of VGR began to form. The show had finally begun after VGR owner, Travis Harvey, had worked tirelessly, running about, setting up equipment, doing everything he can to make sure the show goes on smoothly, while at the same time running his record store.

Ball State students senior marketing major Hannah Zimmerman and junior architecture major Olivia Williamson gathered around the small stage to applaud DMA at the end of their set. They are both fans of DMA and have been to VGR events multiple times.

This was the first time for DMA, previously known as Jookabox, performing under their new name.

The crowd soon expanded and students, locals and out of town bands move in closer toward the stage on the corner outside of the record store.

Sweet Poison Victim, an afro-pop band out of Indianapolis, played for their first time at VGR and also their first time in Muncie. Band member Bryant Cheesely, said he was excited to perform for the crowd and like Muncie.

Freshman digital audio production major Zach Bulgarelli and freshman telecommunications major Josh Barton anticipated the band Rodeo Ruby Love.

“They’re a really fun band,” says Barton, who has seen Rodeo Ruby Love prior to this event.

Barton and Bulgarelli said they enjoy all types of music but recently have been listening to more electronic than others.

“I’m really into electronic now,” Bulgarelli said. “They’re all doing something different finally.”

Although some people came to watch a specific band, much of the crowd simply came out to listen to new music from unfamiliar bands and mingle with friends.. Freshman architecture major Tom Trail said he’s never been to VGR before and came out to see every band perform without a specific one in mind.

As rain sprinkled on the crowd, they stayed out, dancing and oblivious to the weather- soaking up the music.