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NEWS
| October 31, 2003
Local
bands rock UC
UTA Radio broadcasts live from
Bowling and Billiards on Thursday.
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| The Shorthorn: Sanjeev Datta |
| Information systems junior Jared Gaskin,
a drummer for the band Sandcastle, performs Thursday night
at the University Center Bowling and Billiards. UTA Radio
broadcast live from the student center, and students entered
a free raffle to win a stereo. |
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By Christian
Ragunton
The Shorthorn staff
Guitar riffs blasted from amplifiers above the sound of collapsing
bowling pins Thursday in the University Center Bowling and Billiard.
Pool tables and glass windows vibrated from booming instrumental
echoes while students took turns trying to sink eight-balls in corner
pockets. Others, like undeclared freshman Robin Chan, nodded their
heads to bass guitar solos.
Two local bands — Glassboy and Sandcastle — performed
as part of the joint promotional event, UC Rock Party, sponsored
by UTA Radio and Bowling and Billiards.
“Free pool, free bowling, free food with great music,”
Chan said. “I’ve got to give it up for the organizers
giving students a night of fun.”
Doors opened around 6 p.m., but the event didn’t start until
the first hints of rock music seeped through the walls, drawing
passers-by to the concert. About 100 students attended.
Prior to the event, broadcast communication junior Travis Maxwell,
host of The Dead Air show on UTA Radio, broadcast live from a disc
jockey booth.
He said the concert was the radio station’s first attempt
at featuring live bands on campus.
“It’s a bit selfish, but it’s mainly to get the
word out,” he said. “Most students don’t know
that the campus has an Internet radio station. Something like this
is a sure way to get kids to know we’re here.”
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| The Shorthorn: Sanjeev Datta |
| Broadcast communication junior Travis
Maxwell speaks on the air while mechanical engineering
junior Andres Sanches watches during a remote broadcast
for UTA Radio’s The Dead Air show Thursday at the
University Center Bowling and Billiards. Local bands Glassboy
and Sandcastle performed at the event, which included
a free raffle for a stereo. |
|
Students participated in a raffle, where
prizes ranged from two 25-speed mountain bikes and a 19-inch television
set.
Graphic design junior Kevin Blum, a Bowling and Billiards employee,
said that in the two years he has worked there, he has never seen
bigger prizes. He said the event was a great way to help both departments
gain publicity.
Toby Bush, Bowling and Billiards gaming director, said the event
was a way to kick off his department’s appreciation week.
The recreational facility will offer free bowling and billiards
to all students from 6 to 10 p.m. next week.
“It’s just a way for us to show our appreciation to
the students who support us,” he said.
At the bowling lanes, some students were caught dancing in bowling
shoes while others attempted to hold conversations above the rock
music. Some resorted to hand gestures to communicate with friends.
A few students relaxed inside the lounge area while watching an
episode of “Friends.” Chandler’s witty remarks
were soon muted by booming rock-and-roll from screeching amplifiers.
Marketing junior Bryan Higgins, lead singer for Sandcastle, said
he enjoys performing for college students.
“It interests me because it gives us a chance to connect with
fellow college kids,” he said. “We’re more than
happy to be a part of this and help promote the radio station.”
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