University Selects The Fray to Perform at Colonials Weekend

By Myles Goldman

The University announced on June 12th the selection of the pop group The Fray as the headline performing group at this October's Colonials Weekend.

The musical group from Denver known for their hits How to Save a Life, Over my Head (Cable Car), and You Found Me will perform on Saturday, October, 19th at The Charles E. Smith center at 9 p.m.

"Comedians and musical acts are considered as entertainment for the event," Peter Knowerski, Senior Associate Provost and Dean of Student Affairs, said. "We're excited to welcome The Fray to campus in October!"

The Fray's selection comes following last year's choice of Train.  In prior years the University had selected comedians like Jimmy Fallon and Robin Williams to headline the weekend.

Back in January GW Hallmark Programs, which according to the Student Affairs website is responsible for planning Colonials Weekend,  attempted to solicit feedback from the community about potential performers for this year's Colonial's Weekend.  The survey listed around a dozen potential performers.

Konwerski, through University Spokeswoman Angela Olson, would not comment specifically on how The Fray ranked on the survey or if any other performers were considered.

" The University solicits feedback from students, parents, faculty, and staff when selecting a performer for Colonials Weekend," Konwerski said.  "This year The Fray ranked highly with both students and parents."

According to Jon Carfagno, the 2013-2014 Chair of Programming Board, he thinks The Fray is a good selection because it will appeal to both students and parents.

"I think The Fray strikes the perfect balance of bringing a musical act that has garnered widespread name reconigition while also having the ability to perform music that will resonate with both GW parents and students," Carfagno said.  

Carfagno explained that Program Board helped the University survey students and parents for their thoughts on who the performer should be but that Program Board does not fund the performance and the decision is ultimately the University's.  

"Our dedicated team of student leaders will help participate in the production aspect of the event as well as provide an outlet of assistance when running the logistics of the show," Carfagno explained. "Additionally, we hope to utilize our large scope of student outreach by promoting the concert through our various social media channels."  

Tickets will go on sale July 8th at 10 a.m., with ticket prices ranging between $35 and $95.  More information can be found by going to: https://students.gwu.edu/colonials-weekend.  

Club Schenley Looks to Change Tune on School Spirit

On an early spring day in Washington, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” emanated from a set of cheap Logitech speakers placed strategically along a set of third floor window screens.

“You are now listening to Club Schenley,” an automated female voice announced after the song ended. “We are taking song requests through Twitter and we’ll be back with more music.”

The George Washington University’s Schenley Hall, located at 2121 H St. N.W., lies directly in the heart of the school’s urban campus. Two weeks ago, sophomores Pranav Sethuraman, Saager Enjeti and Peter Finn transformed their third floor dorm room into a disc jockey’s booth so they could share their sounds with the people around them.

The trio’s room is now known as “Club Schenley,” and different styles of music radiate from the third floor window screens weekdays between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.

“We love playing our music, especially during nice days when there are people outside,” Enjeti said. “(Along H Street) You have the food trucks, Kogan Plaza, and a lot of foot traffic, which means we get more listeners.”

The group behind Club Schenley even created Twitter and Facebook pages where listeners can request songs, post comments, and interact with the DJs behind the eclectic sounds. Collectively, the sites have amassed over 100 followers. But the group never thought Club Schenley would be such a sensation.

“Originally, we wanted to play a raunchy song just once, just so we could see the reactions of

WRGW Show Lets Students Speak With Administrators

WRGW District Radio's “Ask the Administrator” series provides an opportunity for dialogue among a variety of GW's administrators. In an effort to engage with the student population, GW students are encouraged to call or tweet in their questions or concerns for the guests.


Our first episode includes a conversation with the GW Dean of Students and “Ask the Administrator” co-host, Peter Konwerski, and Jorge Gadala-Maria, WRGW District Radio General Manager. Topics include an introduction about Konwerski's time at the school, an analysis regarding GW's US News & World Report rating and visible changes to the university throughout the summer. 


Associate Dean of Students Tim Miller and Student Association President John Richardson joined Gadala-Maria and Konwerski for the second episode to discuss housing issues and student org allocations and collaboration.


Both episodes covered an overarching theme of student outreach. In addressing the noise issue of the parking garage demolition at the future site of the Science and Engineering complex, Konwerski mentioned a little-known fact about the university.


“Every morning this week, there was a crew of staff and students out on the worksite monitoring the work that was happening, not only listening to what was the noise level, but advocating for 'think if this was happening and it was too loud, we're going to intercede,'” he said.


Moreover, Tim Miller continued to reassure students of the “power of their voices.” He went on to tell them that they “really do have the ability to make change not just here, but in the world...use that voice.”


This is a live and interactive talk show that will air every other Wednesday from 3:30pm-4:30pm (10/12, 10/26, 11/9, 11/30) . The easiest way to listen is at www.gwradio.com, and click the “Listen Live” icon for a pop-up player for your browser. Moreover, WRGW District Radio is also available in the iTunes Radio Directory under the “College” tab.


Click below to download the first two episodes:


Ask the Administrator - September 14th, 2011:
http://www.mediafire.com/?1agjompm3mrl36p


Ask the Administrator - September 21th, 2011
http://www.mediafire.com/?4iokawisfv9axi2


Some Twitter personalities for you to follow:
Hosts:
@porquejorge – Jorge Gadala-Maria & @GWPeterK – Peter Konwerski


Guests (so far):
@JRforGW – John Richardson, @GWTimMiller – Tim Miller




-- Jorge Gadala-Maria