Phi Mu sorority at Florida Gulf Coast University hosted their 2nd annual battle of the bands this past Friday, October 9.
Bonnamu, inspired by the music and arts festival Bonnaroo, took place on the lawn in FGCU’s South Village in hopes to gather more campus involvement. Caroline Shafer, Phi Mu’s philanthropy chair and organizer of the event, said that selecting the location was key to having a successful event.
“Our community is what helps us continue to give to our philanthropy,” Shafer said, “so we wanted to make sure we had it somewhere that everyone could come and enjoy.”
The event started at 7 P.M., just as the sun began to set, creating a backdrop to the stage unique to FGCU.
The contest had a $50 entry fee for bands or acts wanting to participate. A cash prize was up for grabs. Guests of the show paid just $5. All proceeds of the event go to Phi Mu’s philanthropy Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Shafer was thrilled to see improvements from last year’s event through campus interest and number of entries. Many organizations, including Greek life, participated in the competition. Phi Mu also landed two locally famous bands to play at the event for even more crowd entertainment.
“Of all the performers, I am most excited to watch Wilder Sons play,” Rita Tumiel said.
Wilder Sons is currently nationally touring, but made a stop to perform at FGCU to help support Phi Mu’s cause. Brian Blount, lead guitar and vocalist, is familiar with the university’s musical shows. The 26-year-old remembers playing at Nest Fest in 2009 while in another band, sharing the same stage as New Found Glory and Panic! At the Disco. Bonnamu can now be added to his list of performances.
“It’s really great to have the opportunity to help out,” Blount said. “We really enjoy coming to these events and being tapped in to the college market.”
While the goal of Bonnamu is to ultimately raise money for their philanthropy, Shafer also stated that the goal is to have a good time. During planning, she wanted to keep the community in full focus throughout the process.
“Today is all about having fun,” Shafer said. “Our main goal is to put on a great show that all our peers can come out to enjoy and continue to look forward to in future events.”
As a new member, Alana Della Monica got to experience the event for the first time. Both Tumiel and Della Monica loved being a part of the whole process that goes into putting on such a show. Tumiel has seen the development take place since the summer months, while Della Monica has observed the most recent planning as the event grew closer.
“Seeing everything come together is such an amazing thing to witness,” Della Monica said, “and knowing you’re a part of it just makes it that much more incredible.”
Bonnamu gained attention from students through social media, flyers, and Phi Mu sisters spreading the word. Shafer dedicated most of her time to bringing notice to the event. She was successful by having a bigger event than the first year, bringing it closer to students, and doubling the attendees by lowering entry prices.
“I feel like philanthropy gives us a purpose,” Shafer said, “so I’m honored to have been a part of making such an event that will be here for years to come.”
