Students who have attended ETSU’s semesterly SGA events have grown used to the feeling of waiting in long lines wrapped around Freedom Hall to see their favorite bands or comedians, but this year’s fall concert will look different as students watch from behind their own screens.
In the midst of COVID-19 as the university remains in stage two of operation plans with modifications, ETSU will host a virtual concert featuring the X Ambassadors on Aug. 29 at 8 p.m. as part of Welcome Weeks activities.
The group of performers hail from Ithaca, New York, and are known for their songs “Renegades” and “Unsteady”. Brothers Sam and Casey Harris formed the band along with their friend Adam Levin in 2009. Casey Harris was born with Senior-Loken syndrome, which affects the kidneys and vision leading to his eventual blindness.
Mary Little, director of disability services, mentioned that having diverse talent representing the school is important for students.
“It is really exciting because I think you know we are cognizant of inclusion and this is just a part of that and normalizing all people and all those things,” said Little. “It is so cool to see somebody who has a disability, who has overcome significant barriers in the industry to become a major rock and roll figure.”
In collaboration with Student Activities and Organizations, Disability Services will also be holding a virtual conversation with the band led by Harris himself. As a separate event, registered students will be able to engage with them about obstacles they face dealing with disabilities.
As for the concert itself, students should expect an intimate setting for an exclusive ETSU virtual performance. According to Carter Warden, the director of student activities and organizations, some student questions will also be answered on air.
Warden noted that as part of the Welcome Weeks activities, the university thought it would be a fun way to kick off the return to campus and classes.
“You know we all just need a little excitement,” Warden said. “A lot of people, even if they are even if they are having virtual classes or whatever it might be, people are just excited to kind of get back to something that is normal, even though it is not truly normal. And I think music is a really good thing.”
Larissa Copley, SGA’s major event coordinator, wants students to know that this event is for their participation and benefit, especially more accessible than ever this year.
“You can watch it at home in your pajamas if you want, sitting on your couch petting your dog or whatever you want to do,” said Copley. “You can watch it wherever you are, which is nice.”
The concert is free to ETSU students, staff and faculty after registering via Zoom. To register, visit etsu.edu/concerts.
