Summer has recently passed, and for most, this is a melancholy time spent reminiscing about memories made while yearning for long trips to the beach and long days by the pool.

This may be true for many Hofstra students, but there is one very exciting reason to always be happy for the end of summer, Fall Festival.

This year, Hofstra has invited a diverse group of performers to help celebrate the beginning of another successful academic start. The Vibe Live concert performers are American indie dance duo, Matt and Kim; R&B legends, TLC; 80’s cover band, Rubix Kube; and six-time Grammy nominee, Janelle Monae.

When I first heard of this line up, I wasn’t that impressed. The artists, while diverse and interesting, aren’t among the biggest names in the business right now. And I, along with many other students, were expecting more relevant, high-profile artists.

Nonetheless, I think I can speak for all students when I say that we are grateful to even have this event, and we are excited to see what these artists bring to the stage.

Comedy has been in the forefront of news recently due to the deaths of two comedy legends, Robin Williams and Joan Rivers. Many of us grew up watching Williams, and laughing hysterically at Rivers’ unforgivingly brash comedy. Their deaths really left us in shock.

Thankfully, Hofstra has enlisted the perfect comedian to remind us that laughter is still the best medicine. Headlining the Out Loud Comedy Show will be the Grammy and two-time Emmy winner who holds the record for the most comedy specials in history, Kathy Griffin.

The addition of Griffin to the Fall Fest line-up was much needed and will undoubtedly be the highlight of the weekend. Hopefully Griffin’s successful presence can inspire us all to make it from the D-list, to the Dean’s List.

Fall Fest weekend begins this Friday, Sept. 19. The Vibe Live concert will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20 beginning at 2:30 p.m. after the annual parade of floats.