The annual Saint Mary's Twilight Tailgate will take place today on the Library Green, kicking off at 3 p.m.
This year, the annual night of picnicking and partying promises to be a memorable one, due to the popularity of its headlining act, Blessid Union of Souls.
The free event for Saint Mary's, Notre Dame and Holy Cross students opens with a picnic on the Saint Mary's alumnae green. The picnic will feature classic cookout foods, a disc jockey, and inflatable attractions.
The concert will be held in O'Laughlin Auditorium at 7 p.m. Opening for Blessid Union, is the two-man group 2 Skinny Dorks. Saint Mary's Student Activities Board President Lauren Fabina, booked the two groups in February at a national conference for campus activities.
"I chose them because they are a big-name band who are trying to get revived again, and they really give a great show," Fabina said.
A limited number of tickets remain for the event and are available with a student ID at the Haggar front desk or O'Laughlin ticket office. About half of the available tickets were given out at last week's Saint Mary's activities night.
"I think it's a great event to have here on campus and to enjoy with friends," junior Ellen Riley said. "I'm excited to see this band live."
Fabina said that many students seem to be looking forward to the concert, and the buzz around campus about the featured act is growing.
Junior Sarah Staley commented favorably on SAB's choice for this year's band.
"Blessid Union of Souls is a band that had some fun hit songs when we were younger, and it will be exciting to see them here," she said.
Some might remember Blessid Union from the late 1990s with their hit top-40 songs, "I Believe," "Let Me be the One," "Light in Your Eyes" and "Hey Leonardo [She Likes Me for Me]." The band is currently on a campus tour and will be releasing a new CD of original music soon after the tour ends.
Senior Donna Lubbers, a Tradition Events co-chair for SAB described their opening act, 2 Skinny Dorks as great musicians who play guitar and do some acoustic songs and fun cover music. They have been opening for Blessid Union of Souls elsewhere on their fall campus tour across the Midwest this year.
The SAB members are looking forward to having a good turnout so acts with this popularity can continue to come perform for events such as the Twilight Tailgate.
"We hope everyone gets out to enjoy it, take a study break and hang out before it gets cold," Lubbers said.