Ferris State University’s annual Ferris Fest concert is set for Saturday, April 26
at the Frank Karas West Intramural Field. The daylong event kicks off at noon and
concludes at 6 p.m.
This year, Ferris Fest features headliner Karmin and sub headliner Reel Big Fish in
addition to Michigan favorites: STEPDAD and The Turnips. Other performing artists,
who are affiliated with Ferris, include: Worth Our While, The Balsam Brothers, Achromatik,
Electric Tom and OSHEA.
“This year, we tried to focus on something that everyone would like,” said Evan Pazkowski,
Ferris Fest coordinator and a junior majoring in Marketing. “Ferris Fest is the largest
event that comes to campus every year. We do this by providing an unforgettable outdoor
festival atmosphere that students and the community fall in love with. Ferris Fest
is free and open to anyone, and we encourage everyone to come out and enjoy some delicious
food, exciting novelties and nationally-known live music.”
Previous Ferris Fest artists include Motion City Soundtrack, All Time Low and Sean
Kingston.
The choice of this year’s headliner was based on a survey that the Ferris Fest team conducted at the beginning of the year. Karmin, soon to release its first album and go on tour, received the most votes. Said Pazkowski, “It seemed like the obvious choice.” Reel Big Fish was selected by the Ferris Fest team when it was given a list of available names. Pazkowski added, “When we saw Reel Big Fish we couldn’t believe such legends were available.”
Second stage performers are typically selected by Ferris Fest and co-Ferris Fest coordinators. The performers were selected from a wide variety of enthusiastic artists. “Our goal was to make sure everyone has fun even if they aren’t a diehard fan of the music,” said Pazkowski.
“The Ferris Fest team is excited about the acts this year,” said Adam Donaghy, special
events coordinator for Entertainment Unlimited, the campus programming board.
Along with the featured headliners, other popular artists in the lineup include:
Main Stage
- 12:05 p.m. – Worth Our While
- 12:55 p.m. – The Turnips
- 2:10 p.m. – STEPDAD
- 3:25 p.m. – Reel Big Fish
- 5 p.m. – Karmin
Second Stage
- 12:30 p.m. – OSHEA
- 1:45 p.m. – Electric Tom
- 3 p.m. – Achromatik
- 4:30 p.m. – The Balsam Brothers
The Ferris Fest team is part of EU. Individuals most involved in the event are Pazkowski, Ferris Fest coordinator; Trevor Bacon, co-Ferris Fest coordinator and the administrative staff advisors: Angela Roman, Danielle Leisner, Mickey Albright, Nick Campau and Teresa Fogel.
Pazkowski has been a part of EU since week one of his freshman year. He noted, “Entertainment Unlimited has done more for me than I could have imagined and gives students the chances for real world entertainment experience.”