By Aaron Calvin, Entertainment Editor
On September 24, Hofstra University held what was technically the first year of Vibe Live. However, this event holds its roots in last year’s 75th Anniversary festivities. However, the lineup of Vibe Live yielded an event of overall higher quality than the previous year.
The line-up was announced long before the actual day of the festival, but the chronology of the bands was ambiguous until the bands actually started to play. First to take the stage was Joan Jett and the Heartbreakers. While generally perceived as a nostalgia act, Jett and her band played exceptionally as the multigenerational crowd sang and clapped along as the band played their hits.
The next act to play was Salt N Pepa. While the group was definitely a throwback, the audience seemed to enjoy themselves, although everyone seemed to be waiting throughout the set for their 1986 hit “Push It.”
Taking Back Sunday then took the stage. Taking Back Sunday played a unique role in the festival as a band that has a prior relationship with both Long Island and Hofstra. They clearly inspired a strong reaction from the crowd with their performance, inspiring repeated mosh pits that endured much to public safety’s chagrin.
Rick Ross was the final act to take the stage. His performance utilized the stage’s full potential with a light show and heavy bass. Ross’ relaxed flow didn’t quite energize the crowd like Taking Back Sunday’s performance, but it was by no means a terrible way to end the evening.
As far as the peripheral parts of Vibe Live go, they only seemed to add to the atmosphere. Food was available to be purchased with a student meal plan, which was a definite plus. The rides also seemed to be a hit. The only superfluous part was the host, LaLa Vasquez. While she is a celebrity and was no means a bad host, Vibe Live would not lose anything in the future by not having a host and channeling the money that would be used to pay a host into the musical acts.