Grace Vaccaro, Staff Writer
On April 6th, Orange Grove was chosen as the opener for O-FEST. This band will have the opportunity to open for Zara Larsson. The student opener was chosen through O-Factor, a competition where students voted on which performance they wanted to be the opener.
Orange Grove won this competition and was chosen to open. This band has five members: Jasmine Famulari, a psychology major, is the band’s lead vocalist. Holden Altman, a media studies major, and Sean Reynolds, a music industry major, both play the guitar and contribute to vocals. Jake Weissman, a music industry major, plays the drums. Aiden Gomes, a mechanical engineering major, used to play the drums but now plays the bass and is a vocalist.
Orange Grove was formed on orientation day at SUNY Oneonta three years ago. These members met each other and realized that they all shared a love for music. Ever since then, they’ve been working and performing together. This marked their third time competing in O-Factor. Winning has been a longstanding goal of the band. They are thrilled to finally have this opportunity.
When asked to describe their music to someone who has never heard it before, they responded that it is like the scene in “Ratatouille when Remy eats the strawberry and a piece of cheese at the same time.” This scene highlights creation and the fireworks Remy felt when discovering something new. Anyone who listens to Orange Grove for the first time will feel the same way. Their musical influences are Paramore and No Doubt, bands that can be described as alternative and pop-punk.
The band’s favorite song to perform is “I Don’t Love You” by My Chemical Romance, an emo-influenced, alternative rock song. Every member of the band loves the song, and the crowd goes crazy every time they perform it. Connecting with who they are performing for is the most rewarding part. At every show, they are able to meet new people and make more friends across Oneonta.
Before going on stage, the group huddles up and gives a pep talk. Their performances are full of energy, so every member needs to be on the same page. Opening for O-FEST is hopefully going to be the largest crowd they have ever performed for, making it a day they are all looking forward to. Opening will give them a chance to perform for people who have never heard them before, and also hear their debut song.
After O-FEST, Orange Grove plans to continue to play as much as they can before graduating. They will continue to work on writing and releasing original songs. Currently, you are able to hear them perform at their shows; however, they are hoping to get their music on streaming platforms soon.
If you are planning on attending O-FEST, make sure to be there for Orange Grove’s performance. Their set is a chance to support SUNY Oneonta’s student talent and feel the energy that will kick off this event. Bring enthusiasm, cheer them on, and create an exciting environment for all.
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