Finals Fest was held by Vandal Entertainment on Saturday, April 19 in the Bruce Pitman Center from 5 to 8 p.m.
During the event, local rock band Desolation Horse and San Diego-based musician DJ Susan performed. Students gathered to dance to both, although DJ Susan attracted a more passionate crowd. Both Desolation Horse and DJ Susan took time to interact with the audience: the former played “Happy Birthday” for a student that was turning 21 the next day and the latter stayed behind to take pictures and have conversations with students afterward.
In addition to music, there was a “rage room” in which students could destroy plates to de-stress. There was also an activities room with various types of gaming consoles as well as Jenga, checkers and a photo booth.
“My favorite activity was being able to smash plates, as crazy as that sounds. I’m feeling really nervous [about finals],” said Avari Blake, a junior in film and television. “I guess I took away … just letting yourself be loose and … letting yourself just be happy, enjoying the moment.”
Other students preferred to spend time away from the music and activities, instead relaxing in the lounge outside the International Ballroom and enjoying the various refreshments, which included energy drink mixes, hot dogs, nachos and ice cream.
“I was cycling outside, and then some of my friends were walking past me and they were going … I tagged along,” said Razan Ahmed, a senior in environmental science and international studies that showed up later in the night. “It’s nice to see that they they’ve invested the resources to call the DJ and [Desolation Horse]. And yeah, it’s nice to have [this] so close to finals, to help people relax a little.”
Finals Fest invited a distinctly new face in the form of DJ Susan.
“[This was] my first time at the University of Idaho … I love college, I love going back to my roots, I love being with my people and connecting with my younger self and of course being able to provide music for you guys and have a good time,” said DJ Susan.
“Moscow is sick. I feel like I’m in a little movie set. It’s so beautiful, with all the nature and all the old-school roads and boulevards and buildings. It’s really, really something to see. It’s lovely to be here,” he continued. “I’m just grateful to be alive, grateful to be in Idaho, connecting with awesome people and spreading love through music and enjoying my time here very much.”
Cal Torres can be reached at [email protected].