Free. It's one of the greatest words ever. You put the word free in front of an event and it is most likely attended by lots more people. Unless, of course, that event is put on by a bunch of clubs with a limited budget who work tirelessly trying to give the students the best experience. Yes, if you haven't figured it out I'm talking about Music Fest. I'm part of one of the clubs that puts it on and let me tell you all: You need to chill. Here's why:

Contracts

First, you really think it's our fault that we can't say who the artists are? Trust me, if we could tell you we would. And it's not because we don't have artists, it's because there are contracts that need to go through. Until that happens, an artist can drop out if they want. Until that contract makes its way through the dark underworld that is Hofstra's legal system, the artists remain unannounced. Once they get approved, I can guarantee that the artists will be announced.

Artists

I want you to think for just a moment. Estimate how much a fairly popular artist would be to get to perform here. Not necessarily Beyonce, but not a super obscure band. Whatever it is, double it. Now think about what you pay for school. NOT Tuition. NOT Room and Board. There's actually a Student Activity Fee (It's just under $200) and THAT is what pays for Music Fest. But not all the money goes towards one event. ALL of that money gets handed out to all the clubs. Even the biggest clubs don't get astronomical budgets. Furthermore, you need multiple artists if it's an all day event. No artist in their right mind will play for 6 hours straight. So the budget is small, major acts cost lots of money and there's one more thing....

It's Music Fest, not "Popular Singer" Fest

The day is a celebration of music. It's a chance to experience new music. So what if we don't get Beyonce? She's not the only singer in the world. There are so many amazing bands that never get the limelight simply because that's how the world works. And when the artists are being chosen, it's not a dartboard. The choosers are looking for the best artists within the price range. They try their best and they do a pretty good job.

We have no association with Fall Fest

Literally, the only thing we share is the "Fest" in the name. Sure, Hofstra helps in terms of Public Safety, facilities, food, and contracts, but other than that there's not much they do. There is no financial help from "The Man", so stop thinking there is.

You get a free concert and bringing your friends is super cheap.

Want to go into the city with your friends? You're paying at least $8.75 just to get into the city. Factor in the subway, food, activities, and the ride out and your night out could end up costing you. But going to Music Fest with your non-Hofstra friends? $10. That's it. Who cares what the artists are? It's probably the cheapest concert you'll ever experience and it's cheaper than any day in the city.

Students work tirelessly for you.

I said I'm involved in the club but really all I do for Music Fest is promote and help the day of. There's a truckload of other stuff that happens behind the scenes and most of it is done by students, for students. I can assure you that these students would love a bit of rest, but they choose to put on a concert for you.

I'll admit, I'm salty. People don't seem to appreciate everything that goes into Music Fest and it's a shame. It's really a great time and ya, I'm biased because I'm in the club. But if someone told me I could go to a concert with free food, inflatables, mini-golf and it was all free, I wouldn't complain about not knowing the artists. Have some fun and try new music.

MUSIC FEST IS SATURDAY, MAY 6.

Students get in for FREE. Non-Hofstra guests are $10.

P.S. It will be LIT.