To prepare for Philfest’s headlining performer Carbon Leaf next Sunday, Northwestern students will indulge in some “weed.” Tangleweed, that is.
A&O Productions and Students for Ecological and Environmental Development announced Wednesday that the Chicago-area bluegrass band will open Sunday’s show, held annually in memory of late NU student Phil Semmer, who died in 2000.
Lakshmi Nemani, Philfest co-chairwoman and member of SEED, said the music festival features a bluegrass band every year, but she was especially interested in bringing Tangleweed.
“They have all the elements of your prototypical bluegrass band,” the Weinberg senior said. “They really capture the spirit of Philfest.”
Sierra Tishgart, A&O co-director of promotions and public relations, said Tangleweed provides extra appeal because it is a local group.
“We just think it’s really great, when possible, to select Chicago-based artists and expose them to Northwestern students,” the Medill sophomore said.
Although he hadn’t heard of Tangleweed, Communication sophomore Adam Skaf said the band is a good choice for this year’s opener.
“It proves there’s good music going on in Chicago,” he said.
The quintet features a banjo, bass, fiddle and guitar and is “100 percent acoustic,” Tishgart said.
“They really incorporate a lot of interesting kinds of instruments,” she said. “The performance should be really high-energy but also relaxing and fun.”
Nemani said Philfest will feature an array of activities for students, including banner painting, shirt tie-dyeing and a “green fair” to promote various environmentally-focused groups on campus and in the community.
“It’ll be interesting and informative, with great music,” Nemani said. “We’re trying to make it a very fun-for-all day.”
The event is free, but Tishgart said students may donate to Semmer’s favorite charity, the Rocky Mountain Institute.
Tishgart said she hopes many students will partake in Philfest, noting its similarity to another NU music festival on the horizon.
“It’s almost a mini-Dillo Day without all the pressure to be Dillo Day,” she said. “It’s really relaxed. Last year I brought a blanket, laid down, and enjoyed good music and good company. I know it will really appeal to a lot of students.”
