After kicking off with an hour of dancing and videos from Project Wildcat and BoxCo., Dance Marathon brought on Battle of the Bands winner Nebula for a half-hour set during Saturday afternoon’s “Space Jam”-themed Block 8.
The rock band, which defeated three other competitors in last week’s Battle of the Bands competition at Nevin’s Pub, features three Northwestern students: Weinberg senior Evan Bakker, McCormick sophomore Jake Besen and Weinberg and Bienen junior Stuart Babcock.
They kicked off with two covers — of Neon Trees’ “Everybody Talks” and Jimmy Eat World’s “The Middle” — before transitioning to original music. The latter cover held particular significance in the 1990s-themed block, especially to a generation of dancers who grew up listening to Jimmy Eat World.
“The ’90s was the best decade,” SESP junior Molly Davies said. “I was born in it. The best music was made in it.”
Weinberg junior Andrew Cook said he preferred Nebula’s show to Jet Jaguar’s, last year’s Battle of the Bands winner, because of the mix of original and recognizable music.
“Last year they only played original songs and it sort of killed the mood,” Cook said. “So I’m glad they’re playing some covers this year.”
Other students appreciated Nebula’s energetic approach during the block when dancers will reach a full day of dancing by the end.
“When there’s upbeat stuff we all know then it’s fun ’cause everyone’s going wild,” said Nick Leighton, a Weinberg freshman.
Check out Nebula’s performance below.
