AROUSE to host second annual Spring Extravaganza

Olivia Collignon
Wed, 27 Mar 2019 01:54:36 +0000
Arts & Life, News

100% Jennifer is one of the local bands that will be performing at the Spring Extravaganza on April 4. Courtesy of 100% Jennifer

Ohio State student radio organization AROUSE will be hosting its second-annual Spring Extravaganza fundraiser on April 4 to raise money for Guitars not Guns, a charity that offers guitar lessons to at-risk children.

The Spring Extravaganza will consist of four live musical performances from local bands 100% Jennifer, Power Tool, Citrus Orchards and Crystal Lakes.

All of the bands performing at Ruby Tuesday include current Ohio State students, Allyson Hazen, a fourth-year in psychology and fundraising chair for AROUSE, said.

For Michael Cypher-Tierney, a third-year in ?economics and Spanish and multi-instrumentalist in 100% Jennifer, this event hits close to home.

“For me, this event is like an amalgamation of all the amazing things I have been doing in college,” Cypher-Tierney said.

Cypher-Tierney said he volunteers at Guitars not Guns twice a week because he’s passionate about the organization’s message.

“The entire point of the event is to raise money for this organization,” Cypher-Tierney said. ?”And it will be so rewarding knowing that we’ve raised money for such a good cause.”

He described the band’s music as a creative outlet for the members to experiment with different genres. Cypher-Tierney said the band creates organic music and lyrics “on the spot while on stage,” adding that he will often freestyle with a song and “just go for it.”

100% Jennifer is made up of a wide range of talent, including Wasay Ahmed, a third-year in computer science and lead guitarist for the band.

“During some of our shows he has played the guitar behind his back, with his teeth, and all kinds of other crazy ways,” Cypher-Tierney said. “We just try to have a fun time, get the audience to dance and not really care about what traditional bands do.”

The Spring Extravaganza will be held 7–10 p.m. on April 4 at Ruby Tuesday with an optional $5 donation for Guitars not Guns. Students can also donate through Venmo @arouseosu.