2011 MAINstage to showcase local artists, kick off fall semester

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Free refreshments, local music and an abundance of university information will kick off the school year when MAINstage returns August 21.

MAINstage 2011 will run from 3 to 6 p.m. The area near the Rose Ponds will hold student organizations, community organizations and businesses assembled to help provide students, especially incoming freshmen, with information and opportunities for involvement at CMU.

Despite hiring bigger musical acts to perform at MAINstage such as Eve 6 and Eric Hutchinson in recent years, the CMU Program Board decided to showcase local artists for the second year in a row. Among the artists will be Lansing electronic group GRiZ, hip-hop group Smitty and a third local artist that is yet to be named.

PB president Paul Sullivan, a Lincoln Park senior, worked with the registered student organization to recruit talent for the event.

“Regarding the musical aspect, we’re going along the same line as last year and showcasing local artists,” Sullivan said. “It’s a lot easier to have music in the background rather than one huge show at the end, especially when we’re trying to hold bigger shows during the school year.”

Sullivan said MAINstage 2011 should carry on as an opportunity for freshmen to orient themselves with the school and for other students to find new friends and opportunities.

PB member Brandon Kieft, a Rothbury sophomore, found last year’s MAINstage to be full of useful resources as a freshman. Kieft said booking a bigger act for MAINstage would be difficult in the summer while most PB members are in different cities.

“It’s nice to see local artists for this event and support some of the local talent,” he said. “MAINstage always gets plenty of information to freshmen and it’s a great way for organizations to get exposure.”

Okemos senior Danny Goulet said he has been to MAINstage a few times in years past. Goulet said he believes it is not only informative, it is also a very social environment to meet and make friends.

“There are always a bunch of freebies to grab and a lot of information,” Goulet said. “It seems like you always wind up meeting up with friends when you’re there.”