Marina Bravo
Staff Writer
The Pomona Fox Theater was once again orange and green, for the University’s most anticipated event of the spring semester: Lavernapalooza. Amid finals season and commencement preparations, the end-of-year send off did not disappoint.
The May 9 event featured rapper Saweetie with KYLE as the opener. With students lined up and ready at 6 p.m., for the shuttles to the Fox; with doors opening at 7:30 p.m., DJ Screwloose was ready to get the night started.
With over 1,000 Leos in attendance for the Lavernapalooza show. It consisted of traditional undergraduate students, graduate and adult students, alumni and the general public.
The event was hosted and organized by Associated Students of University of La Verne and the Campus Activities Board. With the announcement of this event dating back to March 10 via Instagram with the artist reveal which followed on March 21.
Students were surprised when rapper Big Sean had been announced as headliner. However, the day of the event, at 6 p.m., the Lavernapalooza account on Instagram released a statement:
“Regretfully, Big Sean will be unable to perform due to illness. He was truly looking forward to being part of this event and is disappointed to miss it. Big Sean sends his sincerest apologies to the University of La Verne community and appreciates your understanding and support.”
Many students had mixed feelings with the last minute announcement of rapper Saweetie, however that didn’t stop the attendees from having fun. Many even expressed how excited they were by the sudden change.
“I know a lot of people were mad, but I personally love Saweetie,” Arlene Moore, junior biology major said. “I am excited to hear ‘Back to the Streets’.”
KYLE took the stage and got things started, making sure the energy continued. Songs like “Playinwitme,” “Hey Julie!” and “Don’t Wanna Fall In Love” had attendees dancing and singing along. “iSpy” was the last song KYLE played and everyone was singing the lyrics.
KYLE expressed how much he enjoys doing things like this and how much it meant to him being there celebrating with ULV.
Saweetie took the stage and she brought all the energy with her. Singing her hit songs “Best Friend,” “My Type,” and “Tap In,” she encouraged all guests to have fun and channel their inner “ICY girl/boy.”
“We are so glad that Saweetie came out to play,” Rebekah Hong, ULV law student graduate, said. “Because you know, she represents the baddie girls.”
Hong expressed how she sent her best wishes to Sean and hoped for a speedy recovery, but that Saweetie was the next best choice.
Students were encouraged to dance the night away, some individuals even being invited to show off their moves on stage with Saweetie.
Lavernapalooza was a classic ULV send-off celebration before finals week and graduation leaving many students excited for next year.
“It was really fun,” Penelope Jimenez, junior philosophy major, said. “I had a good time with my friend/roommate tonight. I really enjoyed Saweetie.”
“I think Saweetie put on an enjoyable performance,” Isabel Batista, senior criminology major, said. “I think I would attend another event like that in the future.”
Marina Bravo can be reached at marina.bravo@laverne.edu.
Marina Bravo is a senior communications major with a concentration in public relations. She is arts editor and a staff photographer for the Campus Times, and has previously served as a staff writer and photographer for the Campus Times and La Verne Magazine. She enjoys going to live shows and everything spooky.
Vicente Rodriguez is a senior photography major with a marketing minor and a staff photographer for the Campus Times. He has previously served as photography editor of the Campus Times and a staff photographer for La Verne Magazine.
