A&O Productions and Associated Student Government organized the event, which was sponsored by MTV’s “Rock the Vote,” in hopes of urging students to register to vote in Evanston’s April 3 municipal elections. Volunteers set up tables inside the auditorium where students could register.
ASG President Adam Humann said it was important for students to vote in local elections because issues in Evanston affect them more than those in their home states.
“When you’re here, Northwestern is home,” said Humann, a Weinberg senior.
Liquid Soul kicked off the three-hour concert. The band’s eclectic acid-jazz beats prompted audience members to rise from their seats and sway to the music. Throughout the performance, students trickled down front to get a better view and dance in front of the band.
Weinberg senior Erin Braatz said she enjoyed Liquid Soul’s performance and felt bad for the band because of the relatively small turnout. But she said she would not register to vote in Evanston because she was already a registered voter in Colorado.
“I understand (Humann’s) position, and if I didn’t feel so strongly about the politics in my own state, I would register to vote here,” she said.
Several students left before Poi Dog Pondering took the stage, but those who stayed were treated to the band’s playfully energetic style.
Weinberg junior Jennifer Daoust said a friend dragged her to the concert, but she was glad she came.
“I especially liked (Poi Dog Pondering),” she said. “They just seemed like they had a lot of fun on stage.”
Daoust said she registered to vote Tuesday, but that she probably will not participate in the upcoming elections.
“They asked me about five times, and I finally gave in,” she said. “I feel like I’m only going to vote if I know anything about the people, and I don’t really know anything about local politics.”
Poi Dog Pondering singer Frank Orrall said he was pleased with the performance. He said registering to vote was an important cause, but it wasn’t why the band came to NU.
“To be honest, I was really just looking forward to playing for the college,” he said.
A&O President Molly Allen said she considered the event a “huge success” compared to the “Rock the Vote” concert held Fall Quarter in Patten Gym. That concert drew a crowd of about 80 students who drifted in and out of the concert throughout the night, she said.
Allen, a Speech senior, attributed the difference in attendance to the more widely known bands and the change of location.
“(Cahn) is a much nicer place to sit and enjoy music,” she said.
The deadline to register for the upcoming Evanston elections is March 5.
ASG will be sponsoring munchies and other events where students can register, Allen said.
