By Daniel Marlow, Jennie Scala

BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA (April 11, 2025)

This year’s Ladies First A cappella group comes to a close as the seniors say goodbye in their spring show at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater in downtown Bloomington. At the same time, the underclassmen look for new members and upcoming songs to play for performances to come.

In their most recent show, they took the stage to loud cheers and applause from the fans in the stands who had flowers and other gifts in hand, prepared to see their loved ones and congratulate them on a job well done.

Seniors Katie Gits, Leah Mani, and Katy Reilly are about to take stage for their last show in their college careers with Indiana University’s ladies only a capella group. They told me they weren’t nervous since they had done this so many times throughout their careers.

Ladies First has been around for 26 years, dating back to the 1990s. They have been performing at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater since then and even made a trip to the 2012 Super Bowl with Madonna and CeeLo Green. “In the past four years, Ladies First has really grown and evolved musically,” said Business Director Leah Mani. “There is so much growth in the technicality of their arrangements, Ladies First has hit their peak right now.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

The growth she mentions is huge for her success in the upcoming release of their newest album: “This new album is different sonically from our previous albums and have grown so much from In Full Bloom.”

An acapella group is more than just about singing; there is so much more that goes into making it work to perfection, like time management, working in a group, and finding out how to blend with each other.

“It has defined our college experience, my friendships, and my roommates, and a sisterhood,” said Leah Mani. This community for Leah and other girls within this group has found their community and lifelong friendships that will last a lifetime.

For Leah Mani, the a capella group was also another way for her to advance her career. As the business director, she learned how to manage money, book venues, and budget to help with her advancements in Indiana University Kelley School of Business and the real world.

 

 

 

For her senior solo, she chose the song “Erase Me” by Lizzy McAlpine and has had this song chosen since her sophomore year when she started thinking about it

Ladies First rehearses 3 times a week, equaling about 10-11 hours of rehearsal time to prepare for their next show. Katie Gits was chosen to be the music director by the last music director instead of being elected so it meant something a little different to her and she couldn’t say no.

Katie and Leah both mentioned how much the group has transformed from their origins in the 1990s, and this year especially, “Their arrangements have gotten harder because of the type of group they are, and they have a member that is in Indiana University Jacobs School of Music who can put the arrangements together.”

Katie tries to partner newer members with older members to create a mentorship within the program and lead them through the breakout rehearsals.

 

 

 

 

Katie Gits joined the group as a quiet person with more of her focus on school and trying to do a much as she could and then realized how much of a future she has within the program and how it can also help her in her career by showing what she can be as a leader.

Katie Gits when talking about the group mentions “Because it’s a small group you automatically become best friends.” She also mentions, “It’s going to be hard to say goodbye to them because we spend so much time and do so many things together, and I’m going to miss the little moments.”

Katie Gits talked about “how she is going to miss the little things they did like their food trips and study sessions because that’s when they had the most fun with no responsibilities to worry about.”

 

Seniors Katie Gits and Leah Mani share their experiences from the last four years of being with Ladies First

By Jordan Porter, Taylor Gibson and Declan  McMahon

BLOOMINGTON, Indiana (Apr. 3, 2025) — Jadon Perkins is a 22 year old senior at Indiana University studying Liberal Arts and Music Performance. Since his early childhood, he has grown a massive love not just for music but actually getting up on stage and performing as well. 

Music has been a massive part of Jadon’s life, stemming from Wes Montgomery.  John Leslie Montgomery, nicknamed “Wes”, was an American jazz guitarist born in the great state of Indiana. He had a very unique way of playing the guitar and performance due to the way he plucked the strings with the side of his thumb as well as the wide range of his singing voice. Unfortunately, Wes passed away in 1968. However, his legacy lives on through performers just like Jadon. Jadon grew up surrounded by music because of people in his life, like his uncle, that shared the joy of music with him. When reflecting on him, Jadon shared that his uncle taught him “that you can live off of music, you don’t have to have a [traditional] job if you don’t want to, it’s possible to live off music.” Having this belief instilled into Jadon at such a young age gave him the confidence and guidance that he needed to follow his dream and choose his true path in life. 

As early as third and fourth grade, Jadon talked about performing at talent shows and in the choir. In choir, he was given solos that motivated him to shine brighter and brighter on stage. These opportunities planted a seed that grew into the love of performance that Jadon continues to nourish today. Jadon tells a story about when he was ten years old and performed at Lucas Oil Stadium for a preseason game played by the Indianapolis Colts against the Green Bay Packers. Jadon recalls the day by saying “it was my first time really on the big stage, so… I was about 10, 11 years old? I was scared because everyone was saying come on up, but I didn’t want to. However, I went up there and sang.” He then talks about how after that one performance, he knew he was hooked. His life’s purpose is to sing for people and share with them intense emotions and unforgettable experiences. Seeing that look and joy in people’s eyes is so rewarding for Jadon but also performing is a way for Jadon to be “his truest form of himself.” Jadon when talking shows his empathetic side as well for performance because nobody knows what people are going through. It is because of this that he wants to give his best performance every time. Jadon is able to to ensure that he is remembered for not only his performance but his message as well. 

On Thursday, March 27, 2025, we attended one of Jadon’s performances as a member of the IU soul revue for the Lincoln Jazz Orchestra. The IU soul revue is the only ensemble that you can receive college credit. This ensemble was built for the purpose of preserving black music. The performance absolutely blew us away, Jordan and the rest of the performers were incredible. They created a very unique and entertaining sound and everyone in the audience was loving it. When we asked Jordan how it feels to perform, he briefly talked about how he almost blacks out and lets the music and performance take over so not even he knows what type of dance moves he will use. He draws from performers like Bruno Mars and talks about how one day he wants to be as big as him. Seeing the joy and overwhelming emotion that Jadon displayed throughout this performance really brings it all together to how music and performance are so much bigger than simply attending an event. It’s about the stories, the passion, the message and so many more special ingredients that go into it. 

Jadon Perkins recounts on the significance of music and performance to him. Luther Allison, a musician that attended the performance, shares his thoughts on hard work as a performer.

Jadon Perkins, the 22 year old student from IU, don’t be surprised if you hear this name again performing at a stadium just like his inspiration Bruno mars, or leaving a massive cultural impact just like Wes Montgomery. One thing is for certain this Indiana native is destined for big things.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Exploring Indiana University Women’s Club Volleyball: Madi Graves and Lally Coleman Share Team Insights

Media Contacts
Olivia Weiss
Jordan Shane
Archie Messinger

BLOOMINGTON, Indiana (March 28, 2025) — Shining through the suffocating heat of the gym is the sound of volleyballs slapping off hands and the overall intensity that resonates in every corner. The sounds dominate the gym as players like Madi Graves and Lally Coleman move through every serve, their focus unwavering. In front of us, the view isn’t just practice—it’s where camaraderie and competition merge into a powerful force.

There was not a single second where you couldn’t hear a volleyball slap off a hand or hit the floor. Not a single moment when the obnoxious yellow of the gym wasn’t screaming in your eyes. Every serve mattered as Madi and Lally demonstrated leadership skills, setting an example for the less experienced players.

The Women’s Club Volleyball team at IU offers a unique balance of competition and social connection. It allows students to compete while maintaining a flexible schedule. The team is perfect for students looking for a rewarding university experience since it lets members create close bonds with only two weekly practices and three tournaments each semester.

That does not mean these athletes aren’t on their A game, however.

Madi Graves, one of the most experienced players, brings a wealth of knowledge to the court.

Madi’s parents played volleyball in high school, and her brothers play at the University of Pepperdine in Malibu. Her journey began in 7th grade when she played recreationally and gradually began toward competitive play in high school and club volleyball. “Volleyball just means a lot to my family; it always has.” She stated.

The practice felt like it ended as quickly as it sprung. The team only had two huddles and spent the whole time running through their maneuvers. Madi’s background in the sport, combined with the unique flexibility of the club team, makes it the perfect fit for her. “If it’s something you want to be a part of, it’s not something that requires complete dedication.” Madi notes. “It’s very lowkey.”

The key to the team’s success is the structure of the association. “When I decided to come to a big school and not pursue a Divison 1 career in athletics I wanted to just maybe tryout for the club volleyball team and just meet a couple new people…” Madi explains. “The number one benefit for me has been the people I’ve met. I met three of my closest friends through this team.”

While Mally’s journey was a smooth offshoot from her history in the sport, Lally Coleman found her own path through unexpected plans.

For Lally Coleman, a sophomore from Chicago, honing her volleyball skills has meant less to her than building the friendships that she has with the team. Initially, Lally was not too interested in trying out. “I was convinced to go try out just a couple of hours before I actually went to the gym, and I hadn’t touched a volleyball in a year,” she smiles. “I thought it would be a fun night of just getting some reps in after not playing for a while, but I ended up making the team—and I’m so grateful for all of the friendships that I made in the past two years.”

The friendships she’s formed have been the highlight of her experience. “It’s been such a great vibe.”

“I think Indiana has put in a great system to support the club teams,” Lally says. “I think we’re in the top 5 of all the club teams, so we get to pick a good early gym time and we get a decent budget.”

Outside of practice, the team hosts events like hotroom yoga and food pantry service, raising awareness for IU’s club sports.

Lally is grateful for the tools and assistance IU offers its club teams. “We compete for allocation points every semester.” The club also takes part in other service activities that promote support and fundraising for its initiatives.

The team is now preparing for the ultimate challenge: nationals in Phoenix, which explains the quick and intense practice session. “I’m so excited to compete at nationals with the team. We’re traveling with the men’s team, too, and we’re hoping to get some wins this year,” says Lally. Though the team didn’t travel to nationals last year, they are ready to face tougher competition and build on their momentum.

For Madi and Lally, the Women’s Club Volleyball team has been more than just an athletic outlet. It is an avenue for one’s passion to be shared amongst friends. As Madi reflects, “Such a unique opportunity that I wouldn’t have a chance to have if I didn’t try out that one day.”

Madi and Lally talk in depth about their experience on the Women’s Club Volleyball Team.

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Sidelines & Study Guides: How IU Cheerleaders Make It Work

By:
Ava Thompson
Ava Lavigna
Dash Glasberg

BLOOMINGTON, IN (April 3, 2025).

The All-Girl Indiana University Cheerleading team is more than just a high energy presence on the sidelines. They’re dedicated student athletes who balance busy academic schedules with the physical and mental demands of their sport. With intense training, travel commitments, and the pressure to perform at the highest level, these young women demonstrate the discipline, teamwork, and resilience that defines true athletes. Their story shines a light on what it really means to wear an IU uniform,  not just in the stadium, but in the classroom and beyond. The All-Girl team has 36 athletes who have built a legacy of excellence both on and off the mat. They compete at the UCA College Nationals held every January in Orlando, Florida. The team has claimed six national championships; a demonstration to their dedication, skill, and relentless drive to succeed. Each year, they train for months leading up to this competition, proudly representing Indiana University on a national stage and continuing to raise the bar for college cheerleading.

Balancing school and cheerleading is no easy task, but the members of the All-Girl team have learned how to manage it all with discipline. They have practices, workouts, games, and competitions filling their schedules, staying on top of academics takes serious planning. The team practices three times a week, lifts twice a week, and regularly cheers at both football and basketball games,  all while juggling full course loads. And when most students are relaxing during Thanksgiving and winter break, these athletes are training harder than ever, practicing twice a day, every day, to prepare for nationals. Sam, a fifth year on the team, shared her strategy for success: “Do your assignments as soon as you get them. Make a list at the beginning of every week outlining all of your practices and all your work assignments.” Her advice reflects the mindset of the entire squad; staying organized, being proactive, and making sure their responsibilities as students are never overlooked, no matter how busy the season gets.

Despite their demanding schedules, the All-Girl team continues to excel academically, proving that they’re just as committed in the classroom as they are on the mat. The program boasts an impressive average GPA of 3.3, with nine athletes earning a perfect 4.0, a true reflection of their hard work and determination. The team is made up of students pursuing challenging majors, including many in the Kelley School of Business, the School of Nursing, the Media School, and the School of Education. Their ability to balance their academic paths with the physical and time demands of cheerleading showcases the dedication and resilience that defines them not just as athletes, but as outstanding students.

While the All-Girl team finds success both athletically and academically, it doesn’t come without its challenges. One of the biggest struggles for these cheerleaders is time management. Trying to balance classes, practices, workouts, games, and a social life can be overwhelming. Addisyn, an incoming freshman shared her experience: “My biggest struggle is definitely time management. There’s a lot that goes into it to make yourself the best you can be out there for your sport and school.” Learning how to stay ahead of deadlines, prioritize rest, and maintaining a healthy routine is an ongoing process for many cheerleaders, especially as they adjust to the demands of college life and a competitive cheer program. Still, their commitment to both sides of the student athlete experience helps them push through the tough moments and continue to strive for excellence.

Outside of cheer and school, the All-Girl team is like a family, especially for those who are from out of state. With all the time spent together at football and basketball games, traveling for games and competitions, and hanging out outside of practice, they form amazing friendships outside of their sport. The shared experiences and support they offer each other create a sense of community, making IU feel more like home for those far from their families.

As the school year comes to an end, the cheerleaders begin preparing for one of the most important moments of the season, tryouts for next year’s team. Even returning members must earn their spot again, which means putting in extra work. Many attend the IU cheer clinics, go in to stunt outside of practices, and staying involved in the cheer community to maintain a strong presence. It’s all about showing dedication, improvement, and the right attitude to make a lasting impression during tryouts.

https://youtu.be/HfXEJlNnoGk

By Madeline Gray, Dayana Alonso and Zheyu Yang

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (April 3, 2025)

When Kavya Kaushik first joined Humraah last year, she had no idea what it would eventually mean to her. In fact, she only joined in the first place because Humraah’s schedule aligned nicely with her business fraternity. 

“I was like, ‘You know what? Let me just try Humraah,’” Kavya explained. “I had no idea that that would truly impact my college experience and my life.”

Little did Kavya know that not only would Humraah make a sizable mark on her life, but also on the South Asian A Capella circuit nationally, as the past two years have been nothing short of extraordinary for her and Humraah.

Humraah, a South Asian a capella group at IU, has risen rapidly through the ranks of the South Asian acapella circuit over the past two years, topping the national rankings and preparing to continue their momentum into the end of this year and the years to come. While this ascent seems sudden, the members of Humraah know exactly how it happened – a dedication to hard work and each other.

Humraah started competing last year, and it was clear that they were starting out when compared to other, more established teams. The team was understandably less experienced in mixing songs than teams that had been doing this for years, and their nerves were evident. By the end of the competition season, Humraah was ranked 22nd nationally. 

However, Co-President Dhar Sriram noticed a change in the team and their level of performances this year at Spartan Sitara, an event at Michigan State University featuring teams from across the country, including from Duke University, the University of North Carolina, and The Ohio State University. This event was the first of Humraah’s competition season both years, and the difference in outcome for Humraah was exciting and a sign of greater things to come. While they didn’t place last year, this year, Humraah won it all against stiff competition.

“We really wanted to prove ourselves at a competition that we had already been to,” Dhar explained, “so to go there and see some of the same people and be in the same environment and do exponentially better meant so much to the team.”

Beyond Spartan Sitara, Humraah has also placed first in Gathe Raho at the University of Iowa and at IU Sing, an a capella competition here in Bloomington. They’ve risen through the ranks nationally to become the top ranked team in the South Asian A Capella circuit, and they show no signs of slowing down now. They spend hours each week in Briscoe meticulously practicing and perfecting their craft (although not without breaks to chat and raid the Briscoe C-Store), but what has truly motivated their rise to the top has been the depth of friendship that Humraah has achieved.

Walking into a Humraah practice feels like walking into a meeting between a large group of old friends because of how excited everyone is to see each other. Kavya admitted that the group has separation anxiety and love to be together, which Dhar expanded upon with a story from the day of the interview.

“I’m standing in the lobby of Hodge, and I see two Humraah people, then I see a couple more, and a couple more…” Dhar began. “It’s a group of 9 of us in the middle of the lobby, talking and chatting… we took a picture of us together and sent it to the group chat. Another member said, ‘You’re taking this photo like you don’t see each other everyday,’ which is true!”

With all of the group’s success, it would be easy to sit back and allow for a moment of rest. However, Humraah has been busier than ever this past week while preparing for Nationals in San Francisco, which will take place this Saturday. The top eight teams nationally are invited, and the group is excited to prove themselves to the nation and to compete with teams that they’ve excitedly watched for years from afar. 

For Kavya, this moment represents everything that Humraah has worked for and reminds her of why they have put so much work in over the past two years, work that she could’ve never imagined paying off in the manner it has when she joined last year.

“Seeing everything from this year made all the troubles of starting a competition season and being the underdogs last year worth it” Kavya admits. “I’m really proud of everyone, lucky to have everyone, and grateful that we all found each other at the perfect time in life.”

Members of Humraah talk about their experience with the team and their recent success. They credit their newfound rise to the top of the South Asian A Capella circuit to their strong friendships.

 

By Macy Pugh, Jennifer Liu, and Dian Zhong

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (Apr. 3, 2025) — Opal the Band members practice for two upcoming gigs at the Bluebird.

Opal the Band members Claire, Fran, Ahnay, Philip, Kenneth and Emmet prepare to take the stage at the Bluebird, one of Bloomington’s biggest music venues. Some of the band members have had time to practice before their gig, while others are going straight from campus to the stage. Either way, the musicians are excited to take the stage with their fellow band members.

 

Opal the Band formed about a year ago and has become immensely successful on Indiana University’s campus. With consistent weekly gigs at the Bluebird, the band members are kept busy. They have to work hard to manage their time. These musicians have to balance the band with their academic and social lives, as well as other activities that they are involved in on campus.

The band meets for weekly practices, usually lasting about two hours, and the timing of each session depends on each of their schedules for the week. Each band member is also involved with other organizations on campus, so it can be a bit challenging to manage all of their schedules. Fran, Opal’s bass player, is also in a sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta. Claire, their singer, is heavily involved with the First Nations Educational and Cultural Center. Philip, their drummer, is also involved in a business fraternity and the Filipino American Association. These are just a few of the many activities each member is involved in. Practicing with their busy lives was a challenge at first, but now it is starting to get easier as the band performs more. 

Opal members have all had to accept that sometimes there will be bumps in the road. At one specific practice, there were some obstacles. Claire had been sick for over a week, so she had to miss this Saturday’s practice. At the same time, three members of Opal who are in another band, Horizon, had to get ready for their gig later that night. The band members still managed to get together, though, and they sounded great while they rehearsed their songs. 

Philip, the newest member of the band, was nervous to join Opal at first. He said that the band had already been together for about seven months when he joined. They had to look for a new drummer, and after playing with Philip a couple of times, they asked him to join. The other members include the guitarists, Ahnay and Kenneth, and Emmet on piano. Throughout the band’s time playing together, they have begun to work on creating some original songs. They started with covers in the beginning, as many bands on campus do. Philip mentioned that they have been playing the same songs for a while, so they do not need to practice those as much anymore. “I probably should practice more,” Philip said. Other members also agree that they could practice more, but are often too busy.

Being in a band can be both mentally and physically taxing, especially for busy college students. “When we have Bluebird shows back to back, even sometimes multiple times a week,” Claire said, “my voice was so tired and it was very stressful for me to keep up with that.” Claire also mentioned that the band has started to practice less over time because the band is more experienced and comfortable playing together. “Since we’ve been getting more Bluebird gigs,” Claire said, “we either don’t rehearse at all or we do once a weekend.” Claire also mentioned being tired the day after gigs, which can often make it hard to focus on schoolwork. While being in a band has its struggles, Claire also mentioned that their band members get along very well. 

Opal Members Claire and Philip speak about the challenges of time management with being in a band. They also talk about their experience as a band member and some of their favorite parts of Opal.

Philip says that managing his time with the band has begun to get easier. “I’m a senior now,” he said, “there’s a lot more time in the day now so I can put it toward things I really enjoy.” He said academics have become easier to balance because he was very focused on grades and internships throughout his first few years of college. When asked about having a social life while also focusing on the band, he said that his social life and the band have started to combine. “All of my friends are in my band or come to see me at my shows,” he said. He and Claire both mentioned how their social lives have combined with their band, which has had a positive impact on both of them. “You’re surrounded by people who are all thinking the same things,” Philip said, “it gets really draining, but it’s great to have a third space.” He also mentioned that he enjoys spending time with his fellow band members, and they are now some of his close friends. He also mentioned that coming together and being able to create music for others to enjoy is the most rewarding part. “I love these people, these are my best friends,” Claire said, “I think it’s that and seeing people enjoy it.”

 

By Alex Lemon, Kevin Barrett and Wilson Godfrey

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (Apr. 3, 2025)

Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University-Bloomington is one of the most prestigious music schools in the country, reserved for only the best high school musicians from around the world. The audition process is grueling, the workload is intense and burnout rates are high. However, Sophomore saxophone student Dae Taylor looks to be the exception as he is no stranger to the bright lights and center stage. From his start in middle school, through the enduring times of Covid-19 and now debuting concerto’s in college with his quartet, Dae has always been ready to put on a show.

Dae has been exposed to saxophone his whole life, and chose the instrument because of his father, who he listened to practice saxophone growing up. As he started practicing and performing, Dae quickly realized that he not only loved to perform, but progress as a musician. This drive led him to Saxophone teacher Dana Booher, who has become his mentor. 

“I’d get to see him perform sometimes and it was always… super inspiring, you know? I want to play like him one day and see how far I can go.”

It was with his teacher that he found out what it meant to truly perform and influenced his drive to become an artist himself. However, Dae’s dream came to a screeching halt during the Covid-19 pandemic.

 “I went almost two years without performing live music,” Dae said. But instead of giving up, he looked towards the future, working towards that first performance back. Following this unexpected delay, Dae picked up exactly where he left off, loving saxophone the same, if not more. 

“It was just… A joy. A feeling like no other is really what I thought, especially in the moment,” Dae said. “It was a mundane performance in many ways, but in that way it’s really stuck with me. It made me realize again how passionate I am about performing and playing with other musicians.”

Following these performances, Dae made the decision to pursue saxophone performance at the highest level. He made it his goal to study under his teachers mentor, Dr. Otis Murphy at IU

To become the best version of an artist he could be, Dae knew that he would have to continue to develop all new styles which is what he has set out to do by branching out into many different types of performing, from solo work to quartets and also large chamber ensembles. For Dae, each one of these different types of performing allows him to reach into a different emotion and create something new each and every time. This has allowed him to avoid burnout and create a sense of joy in every opportunity, especially with his quartet, Hyperion.

 

 

 

“When I play with my quartet, I feel like it’s a conversation. You’re talking with these other musicians, you’re communicating and you’re really trying to create one cohesive texture and it’s always a great time… it’s very special.”

This feeling isn’t only a bright spot for Dae, but also other members of his quartet

“It’s nice to bring [a quartet] back to the studio and to have a quartet with some guys that were really good friends,” Hyperion quartet member Wyland Diehl said. “The vibe during the rehearsals their really good. We have some laughs, sometimes we get off topic but we’re able to lock in and get all our stuff done so it’s really nice.” 

Through the Hyperion quartet as well as Dae’s own artistic ability has made him a go-to undergraduate saxophonist for fellow undergraduate composers looking to debut new music, which has led to many opportunities for both Dae individually and the Hyperion quartet. These experiences at once in a lifetime performances help shape not only how he plays his saxophone, but how he looks at the notes on the page. 

“If I can get into the zone… really start feeling the music, I’m leaning into the phrases, [and] trying to make it more than just notes,” Dae said. 

Dae, however, is not only the performer, but is also active in the writing process. Dae has found a sense of excitement from getting to work with these composers and beamed at the idea of being apart of the editing process alongside each composer.

“That’s what I think is really fun about playing new music and working with living composers is that you can really get into the music with the person who wrote it,” Dae said.

From following in his mentors footsteps to now majoring in music performance, Dae has carved out a path and sound at IU that is truly his own.

By Abby Meisler, Eli Alvis, and Nathan Cohen

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (March 29, 2025) —

On a rainy spring day, members of the band Annie Babie paced back and forth in anticipation of their outdoor performance being canceled. Luckily, the performance was merely delayed, allowing Annie Babie to still deliver a remarkable show. With the strong chords of three electric guitars and a drum beat, their sound is distinct and uplifting, drawing in a crowd. Other young artists accompanied this performance as part of a fundraiser for Girls Rock Bloomington, which is part of the broader Girls Rock movement, featuring similar organizations in various cities. Girls Rock Bloomington teaches positive self-esteem through music education to young girls in the community. They host unique workshops, after-school programs, and open mic nights throughout the year, along with an annual summer camp. The fundraiser took place at Dunn Meadow this past Saturday afternoon, showcasing six concerts from local individual performers and bands to raise money for the organization.

A strong community of artists and music lovers came together this week in Bloomington, creating an intoxicating energy during these performances. Drummer Sarah Scherrer of Annie Babie enjoys the live performances and the community that forms through them. “Being in Annie Babie means playing shows for other people and making music so they can come and listen,” Scherrer said. This band has also allowed the members to express their passion for music while having fun with friends and creating new tunes. For bassist Carson Hoberty, the band has opened the door to new musical experiences. “It’s a new outlet to express myself and be with people I enjoy playing with, and it’s a different genre of music that I normally don’t get to play,” Hoberty said. For lead singer and guitarist Skylar Robinson, the band has pushed him to focus on writing lyrics and discovering new creative processes. “I write down in my notes app little turns of phrase I get throughout the day…I’ll just have a musical idea, but I need lyrics, so I try to tie everything together,” Robinson said.

Throughout the performances, a crowd began to gather on the grassy field of Dunn Meadow. As the sun peeked through the clouds, the concert came to life, supported by the growing audience. This energetic atmosphere, however, wouldn’t have been the same without friends and fans. Truman Harper has been a fan of Annie Babie and especially enjoyed this performance for its deeper purpose. “I love this band. I love their sound,” Harper said. “I have five sisters, so my whole life women’s rights have been important to me.” Harper has been involved in the local music community since moving to Bloomington.

Mia Fisher, a local artist who performed on Saturday, feels a deep connection to the power that music holds. Her relationship with music is something that motivates her to devote her time and energy to her passion. “I build deep connections with songs and artists…the idea that I would be able to do that for someone else is something that pushes me to keep writing and putting music out,” Fisher said. Music has deeply impacted her life, and she is dedicated to giving back. “I want to be able to give people what music has given me.”

This performance meant a lot to Fisher as a female artist in the community, making it a special experience for her to be able to contribute to Girls Rock. She believes it’s essential for young women to have accessible opportunities to pursue their passions. “It is still important to create specific spaces for women in music, so I’m honored to be able to help out,” Fisher said. “It’s just a great organization. It encourages young women to pursue music and to explore their creativity and expression.”

Girls Rock Bloomington has built a strong community with the support of Fisher, Annie Babie, and other local artists and followers. Their mission to empower and support the young women of Bloomington will continue to impact this growing and evolving community. Organizations like this that support and promote bands and artists in Bloomington such as Annie Baby and Mia Fisher allow artists to get their foot in the door of the music scene in Bloomington. Girls Rock is building a community and bringing together artists.