Hobart and William Smith Colleges

16 November 2006 Guster draws packed house

If the lines down Seneca Street were any indication, Guster brought HWS students out in force on Wednesday night. The Boston-based group brought a frantic energy to their performance at the Smith Opera House, which included new material and a liberal dose of older, crowd-pleasing favorites.

Ticket sales were strong at the box office, bringing in an excited crowd. Its always a treat to have live music in town, said Kris Anauo 07, who enjoyed the performance, although he was new to the bands work. They really have a good sound and its great to see them. Kristen Tobey, assistant director of campus life, expressed her joy at coordinating an event so well received by the student body.

In addition to the large numbers of students, Gusters catchy hooks and signature staccato rhythm section brought other fans from far and wide. Nadine Wright made the trek from her home near Toronto for the show. Theyre amazing to see live, she said, as she compiled a detailed set list with the help of a pen light. They bring so much energy to their performance.

The venue drew praise, not only from the audience, but from the stage, with members of the band thanking the Colleges for putting us in such a nice place, comending the Smith Opera Houses elegant stage.

The band is on the road to support their new album, Ganging Up on the Sun, which was recently named Album of the Year (Major) at the Boston Music Awards.

The pop/rock/folk band originally formed at Tufts University, where the members met at freshman Orientation. They sold out Radio City Music Hall in New York City, performed with the Boston Pops at Symphony Hall, and appeared on NBCs Late Night with Conan O'Brien. For their 33-date college schedule, they founded the eco-friendly Campus Consciousness Tour, with buses powered by biodiesel and performances powered by wind power.

The event was sponsored by Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

Images courtesy of Adam Croglia '10.