The muscle behind Culture Shock
No doubt you've heard that WIUX's Culture Shock is going to be amazing. You've heard about the incredible lineup, the sponsors, the venue and maybe even some of the drama surrounding the location of the festival. But what actually goes into planning a festival so mind-blowingly wonderful? What does it take for a college radio station to put together a 12-hour day of music with bands from all over the country (and one from Canada)? A lot. \nThe venue\nThe first order of business was to find a venue. Naturally WIUX's first choice was Dunn Meadow, the place where Culture Shock has historically called its home. Somehow the Renaissance Fair (no hard feelings) swept this venue out from under our collective feet in September before the reservation window even opened in October. We headed back to the drawing board and began the brainstorm. Woodlawn Field, across from Collins at 10th Street and Woodlawn Avenue, was an early idea. The field provided plenty of space for the two stages, tons of concertgoers; it even has lights! The field required approval from a few offices on campus and some of them even liked the idea. However, about a week later, one of the offices decided that the swarms of indie kids would most likely tear up the sporting field. Yeah, sure. Chuck Taylors are infamous for damaging sports fields.\nThen, the brainstorming session was a free-for-all. Showalter Fountain was a place we tossed around. The school holds Culture Fest at the beginning of every school year around the fountain. And besides our names being so similar, both of our events feature two stages with live music and vendors. It sounded perfect, how could they say no? Well, they did, and WIUX was shut down yet again. \nMaybe that place on Third Street by Read where they tore down that fraternity? Denied. Or the tailgating field over by the stadium where there is a shelter and tons of parking? Denied. We even tried to close a street in town, but we couldn't afford it. Finally after all suggestions had been exhausted, the DeVault Alumni Center came through. Hallelujah! In fact, the field behind the alumni meeting place provides enough room for two stages, tons of room for concertgoers and plenty of parking. We couldn't be happier. \nBehind the scenes \nIn addition to bands and venues, there are the extremely time-consuming elements of sound production, paper work, porta-potties, vendors, After Shock (the after party), hospitality, the Web site, tents, contracts, promotional items, copies, fliers and more. These tasks were assigned to WIUX's helpful volunteers, friends, family members and everyone else who wanted to lend a hand. After months and months of nitpicking details, the festival has come together. \nWhile the details are a pain, and the festival proved to be more work than we could have ever imagined; nothing is more fulfilling than putting all of your heart and soul into something and seeing it actually happen. What really makes it worth it is all of the people who we have had the privilege of working with on this festival. WIUX has the hardest working group of students on campus. Thanks to everyone, you know who you are, and we will see you Saturday!
