Justin Epner '08, a resident of Drew, summed up the aim of the event as both fundraising and entertainment. "We wanted people to have a good time, but the entertainment was really just a means to an end, the goal, of course, being to help our brothers and sisters down in the Gulf region," he said.
The event took place at Valentine Hall, which had been festively decorated with green, purple and gold balloons, streamers and stars-the traditional colors of Mardi Gras. In addition to festive decorations, the party featured music by the Blue Nomads and performances by a capella groups the Bluestockings and the DQ.
The jazz stylings of the Blue Nomads kicked off the event, creating a welcoming atmosphere for the groups of arriving students. "The Blue Nomads are a popular band, so they're very busy, but it seemed like they were glad to perform. They're great entertainers and really made for an enjoyable evening," said Epner.
Austin Leach '08, a member of the Blue Nomads, said that he felt the group's performance was both enjoyable and successful for the members of the group and the audience. "We were glad to have the opportunity to play at the Mardi Gras benefit. In terms of the repertoire, we were told to play whatever we wanted-and that was somewhat hard for us to do because we can play a variety of styles. In our first set, we played in a more alternative jazz style," said Leach. "I think people enjoyed all of our sets, especially the second one in which we played the Cowboy Bebop song 'Tank!'"
Leach said that he enjoyed the performances of the other musical groups as well. "In general, I thought the a capella groups were amazing and the event was a huge success," he said.
The combination of both visual and aural elements at the event created an atmosphere that was very similar to that of a Mardi Gras masquerade. This effect was further augmented by the presence of traditional Cajun food. "I've never been to New Orleans myself, and I've only really seen clips of actual Mardi Gras festivities on TV," said Ashley Finigan '08. "I thought the party was great and for a really good cause. The decorations and the music were fun and very festive, and the food was amazing and authentic!"
Not only did students take the opportunity to try some of the Cajun dishes being served, but they also took advantage of the event as a way to meet other students and faculty members.
As the room filled and people began partaking of king cakes, a traditional Mardi Gras dessert, the Bluestockings took the stage. The a capella group proceeded to sing a set of two songs, "On Children" and "Where You Lead."
Rachael Gross '08, a member of the Bluestockings, shared her enthusiasm for the event. "I'd just say that the Bluesox were excited to sing at the party," she said. "The students who planned the event put in a lot of effort, and the Bluesox were happy to participate and help make it a great night."
At the conclusion of the Bluestockings' performance, the Blue Nomads again took up their instruments. As the lights dimmed, many students moved onto the main floor and started dancing to the swinging rhythm.
Others, including latecomers, took the time to get some more food and to socialize. "The musicians sounded great, and they all performed very well together as a cohesive group," said Audrey Kim '09. "A lot of the people from my dorm came, so it was nice to spend time with them dancing and talking."
A short while afterwards, the dancers were given a chance to catch their breath as the DQ, dressed in different costumes ranging from space invaders to ninjas, took the floor.
"[The] DQ did a great job, they had a lot of energy. I thoroughly enjoyed their performance," said Benjamin Blond '08.
The party was a rousing success according to those who attended. "I thought that the party was very fun! It was a great idea to incorporate all the musical groups that performed," said Sarah Craver '08. "They were wonderful, as usual, and the atmosphere was very casual and fun. I was happy to see so many people there, though I wish that even more had come!"
Kim echoed Craver's sentiment. "Although I only came for about half an hour and wasn't able to get any food ... I did manage to get a few cups of soda and punch. I don't regret coming at all," said Kim. "I enjoyed myself and I'm glad that I came with my pre-frosh to show her an awesome Amherst party."
Following the DQ's performance, dancers once again took to the floor. Though the event in Valentine came to an end at 11 p.m., the attendees were invited to an after-party at Drew House. There, students were able to continue dancing to music provided by a live disc jockey.
President Anthony Marx said that the relief efforts of the College's are expected to continue further. He said that both students and faculty plan to continue participating in the relief effort. "There are also plans-both student and faculty plans-to do more driving of things down to D'Iberville Middle School and in Louisiana more generally and provide in general for those trips," he said. "I want to be as cooperative as I can be."
Dean of Students Ben Lieber applauded the efforts of the Drew House members. "It was a very clever idea for a theme that would tie into the hurricane directly, and it was also very productive to have the fundraising targeted to a very specific purpose, namely the middle school that we've 'adopted,'" he said. "It was an amazingly well-conceived and well-received event."
Finigan concurred with Lieber's approval of the current relief efforts of the College. "It's wonderful that the College is actively reaching out to the communities affected by Katrina," she said.