Rumbles and Jamnesty

JMU has always been home to a vibrant and very active campus and student body. However, this past week the school and surrounding community have been especially busy with the appearance of Obama last Tuesday, Homecoming, Halloween and two major musical events last Thursday night: the final round of the 80 One Records Record Deal Rumble and the annual Jamnesty, Amnesty International fund-raiser.

Record Deal Rumble

The competition began with 26 JMU bands all competing for the attention and resources of the student-run 80 One Records, part of the University Program Board several weeks ago and culminated in the final competition held last Thursday night at Taylor Down Under.
The revised method for choosing the latest 80 One-sponsored bands was part of a new attempt to spark increased interest and awareness among students for the organization and the bands.
“We are in the process of shifting gears,” explained 80 One Director Danny Lampton. “We are really working to expand, market more, spread the 80 One name, help the talent at JMU and essentially branch out the organization.”
Following the decision made Thursday night, Lampton hopes to host more big events and shows in the Harrisonburg area, helping to expose students not only to the 80 One name, but to a variety of JMU’s most talented artists.
“Nest semester we really plan on following through more with what 80 One promises,” said Lampton. “We want to not only market more locally, but regionally as well, by bringing bands to other states on mini tours and marketing their music using online tools. We want to help them create a buzz.”
This “buzz” could be exactly what these bands need to further their careers as the music industry continues to move from an album-based market to online sales, which is another proposed revision of 80 One. Rather than pressing albums, which is an expensive process, the label plans to focus more on online markets and will bring the artists’ music to sites like Rhapsody and itunes, though some will remain free to download.
“We want to channel our resources to become more of a middle man, helping to promote the artist,” said Lampton. “I think 80 One could be more effective that way for the artist and for JMU students.”
So far, the revised method for choosing bands and the artists themselves have already had a significant effect on the campus and student body.
“I have never seen TDU so packed,” said senior Sean Banks on Thursday night. “The whole process is such a great idea and I’ve been really impressed by all the support.”
Judging by the enthusiastic crowd participation, Banks was not the only one feeling this way.
“This is the first rumble I’ve been to and it’s amazing,” said sophomore Michele Derosa. “There was nothing like this last year and I’m so glad they’ve started it.”
The bands involved displayed an equal appreciation for the event and each of the finalists reaped the benefits of competing as all won some type of prize.
You, Me and the Shaker, a trio of senior Eileen Graham and sophomores Ben Mills and Phil Warton won the biggest prize, including a music video, recording and management contracts and drew the most fans during the final round. The groups’ melancholy, soulful sound directly fueled by Grahams’ incredibly impressive vocals, engaging lyrics and song style set them apart from their competitors, who put on equally remarkable performances, though in very unique ways.
Junior, Josh Vana began his set with a cover of the Old Crow Medicine Show “James River Blues” and delivered a one-man act reminiscent of JMU alumnus Ryan Villanueva as he sang, played guitar, harmonica and banjo throughout the set. Vana even paid tribute to the most traditional blues by pulling out an old-style microphone and playing the harmonica right up to it in a style comparable to legendary rock history icon Sonny Boy Williamson. The crowd responded with hand clapping and foot-stomping and verified why Vane deserved his recording contract award, presented at the end of the night.
Vana can also been seen often at Tuesday TDU open mics, at Little Grill open mics on Thursday and an up-coming Americana show, set for Friday, November 14 at the WXJM radio station.
However, the final act of the evening stole the show in terms of originality was even recognized as the band that “rocked it out the most” during the final presentation of awards.
March to the Arctic first appeared on stage, fully clothed, but with painted faces, apparently to celebrate Halloween, though they seemed to be the only three dressed up for the holiday. The trio then proceeded to take off their shirts and singer, guitarist, and bassist sophomore Arthur Sanzo even took off his pants to reveal a fully paint-decorated body and grass skirt.
Though the band was initially flustered as a result of equipment issues, they performed an impressive show despite the technical difficulties, constantly rotating between instruments and vocals. The band, composed of Christian Gehring and brothers Arthur and Mike Sanzo walked away from the competition with a management deal and hopes to continue writing and playing in the area more often.


Jamnesty

For those with an itch to keep their Thursday night going a little longer, another option was available for their entertainment. The annual “Jamnesty”, a fund-raiser benefiting Amnesty International was held at the Pub and featured Red Shift, The Red House Band, The Avenue and The Super Octavius.
“Jamnesty is always our favorite event,” said secretary of Amnesty International’s JMU organization senior Alyson Jacobs. “It’s fun, you get to see live music and it’s not so stuffy. It’s an atmosphere where you can mingle and have a good time.”
Since its creation four years ago, Jamnesty has moved from coffee shops, to Mainstreet bar and grill and now to the Pub as it has grown in popularity. Though the event did not draw as well as the previous year, it did bring in a significant crowd despite increased competition with surrounding parties and bars due to Halloween.
“Despite the competition, it was still a successful event,” said Jacobs. “You always hope for more, but overall it went well and everyone really seemed to enjoy the bands.”
The crowd appeared to agree with Jacobs’ thoughts as the dance floor became increasingly crowded as the night progressed, especially with The Super Octavius’s set, the final of the night.
“They were definitely my favorite band,” said graduate student Gabby Olko. “They are a unique group of guys and are really different from the typical southern rock bands we see around here.”
In addition to Jamnesty, the Super Octavius can be heard every Thursday night at Bourbon Street and Amnesty International can be seen around campus as they often hold a variety of events. Last Monday they hosted Kerry Cook who was exonerated from death row for a crime he did not commit and the group will hold their annual Fair Trade Fair the week before Thanksgiving.
The JMU Amnesty International organization meets every Tuesday on campus and helps to support the largest grass roots human rights organization by raising money and writing letters every week to governmental officials all over the world. JMU’s chapter is being recognized by the regional coordinator for their impressive contributions to the cause.
Jamnesty is always a fun event that allows students and the community to help a good cause, hear new music, support local bands and do it all while enjoying the company of old and new friends in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. The only downside to Jamnesty is it only comes once a year.