California Lutheran University’s campus radio station, iCLU Radio, hosted its annual music festival CalLuPalooza on Friday, May 1. Peppergrove Park transformed into a high-energy hub of student performances, local vendors and community spirit.
Dia Tardino, a senior communication major and president of the iCLU Radio Club, described the event as a vital platform for students to get the opportunity to perform or sell their own merchandise at a flea market.
“It really gives all of our students a sense of community. We all support each other here,” Tardino said. “A lot of people who aren’t in music classes don’t really get to show off their work or performances. This is really nice to showcase students who may not normally get the time of day.”
This year’s festivities featured free food from Rock n Roll Burger and Kona Ice, along with CalLuPalooza-branded merchandise giveaways and 12 vendor booths for attendees to purchase from. Students were able to pick up free T-shirts, stickers and lanyards representing the campus station.
Kyle Tamkin, a communication adjunct faculty and iCLU Radio co-station manager, said his favorite thing about the event is seeing his students’ teamwork behind the scenes. He said seeing students with their staff badges on, working hard and volunteering all day to provide a live entertainment experience makes the event stand out.
“Your fellow students are showcasing their skills that you may or may not know have,” Tamkin said. “It’s on campus, you don’t have to drive anywhere and it’s free.”
Tamkin said CalLuPalooza garnered 400 attendees last year, and hopes attendance will grow in the years to come.
“For some of the students, it’s the first time they’re performing in front of friends, family and strangers,” Tamkin said. “There’s definitely a public speaking component for students from some of the classes.”
According to Tamkin, this year’s iteration featured a curated lineup of six student performances. He said the acts were selected through an audition process led by iCLU Radio and the Musician’s Club, each taking the stage for 15-minute sets.
Musician’s Club President Vivian Meyer, a senior double majoring in music and music production with emphases in composition and performance, took the stage under the name “Vivian’s Favorites.”
Meyer said she formed the group with fellow musicians to perform a set of her favorite songs.
“I was excited to do a set of my singing and playing with my friends,” Meyer said. ‘We’re a pretty tight band.”
Meyer said the band had a busy schedule last week due to members’ other performance commitments, but that they were pretty familiar with the setup in Peppergrove Park.
Gianna Gutridge, head of social media and co-station manager for iCLU Radio, said the festival provides a crucial platform for student entrepreneurs and artists to engage with the Cal Lutheran community in a low-stress environment.
“I hope that they obviously have a good time and have a break from all the stress of school and finals,” Gutridge said. “I hope they leave inspired, seeing all these emerging creative artists and entrepreneurs.”
A few of the vendors at CalLuPalooza included Jazzories, a jewelry business owned by Cal Lutheran alumna Jazzy Colbert, Bake Me Happy.
“Faculty, staff and community alumni show up,” Gutridge said. “Just feeling that sense of community and coming together to support the creative arts, it’s so awesome.”
Tamkin said it is exciting to watch new and returning student performers take the stage at CaluPlooza. Planning for next year’s festival will most likely begin after this one ends, he said.
“It’s never too late to tap into your creative outlet, whatever that is, maybe it’s radio, maybe it’s podcasting, art or live entertainment,” Tamkin said. “No matter what your age is, it’s never too late to follow your passion.”
