LSU Student Government hosted its annual Groovin’ concert Thursday night in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, bringing music, vibes and a break from finals stress to campus.
The free event held only for LSU students has become a staple spring semester tradition, offering a chance to unwind before exams. By 7 p.m., a line had already formed outside the PMAC as students waited for doors to open at 7:30 p.m., hoping to secure spots close to the stage.
Students were immediately greeted by DJ T-Money with high-energy music, hyping up the crowd as students filed in, found their seats and grabbed concessions.
“No one better be worrying about class tonight, or exams,” DJ T-Money said to the crowd. “We’re going to turn up and have a good time.”
The performances began with rappers Ha Sizzle and Fridayy before Monaleo took the stage, bringing a type of energy the PMAC is not used to seeing.
Monaleo appeared dressed head to toe in LSU merchandise, drawing cheers from the crowd. LSU students repaid the love by singing “Happy Birthday” to the rapper, who was born April 24.
Her husband, rapper Stunna 4 Vegas, also made a surprise appearance, getting on stage and performing for the lively crowd.
Before the show, students were impressed with the production and atmosphere set up by Student Government. Jasmyne Earle, a sophomore marketing major, said the event made her consider joining Student Government.
“This is so cool, I’d love to be a part of it,” Earle said.
Other students returned after attending previous Groovin’ concerts. Alli Jones, a sophomore psychology student, said she came back after seeing Rob49 perform last year and was excited to see Monaleo this year.
Some of the freshmen attending for the first time said they were grateful for a night off and that LSU provides events like this for students.
“A lot of colleges don’t really care about that when it comes to students,” said Xavier Ageyllard, a freshman studying coastal environmental science. “LSU gives students a lot of freedom.”
Others said the concert was simply a good opportunity to get out of their dorms and apartments for the night.
“It was something to do tonight,” said Taylin Carr, a freshman sociologist major who said she found the event on Instagram.
Charlese Washington, a freshman studying animal science, had a much more simple reason for attending.
“I was bored,” she said.
Washington got an email from Student Government and wanted to see Monaleo perform. She said it was refreshing to see different events like this in the spring semester, compared to how the fall is almost entirely centered around sports.
“I would stay in my dorm during football games sometimes,” Washington said. “This is more for me.”
With the perfect spring weather to meet students once they left, it turned out to be the ideal concert night. Students left out of breath after hours of dancing and singing to music from the artists.
