U-Fest 2016
Back to School doesn’t rule out fun. Check out U-Fest Sept. 9
By Amber McLinden, Contributor
It’s that time of the year again. Even after four months of summer, it somehow still seems like the fall semester has come too quickly. No matter how gloomy this might make you, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Mount Royal University and the Students’ Association of Mount Royal University are hosting U Fest, an annual welcome back event to MRU, and this year’s headliner is Vancouver based band Mother Mother.
Mother Mother is no stranger to Calgary. They made an appearance on the Coca Cola stage at the Calgary Stampede this year, and have made stops here on previous tours. Mother Mother’s charm, energetic shows, and consumable alt-rock means that the city can never get enough of this band. Their latest album, Very Good Bad Thing, brought hits like “Get Out The Way”, “Monkey Tree” and “Modern Love”. Get Out The Way and Monkey Tree both peaked at number 9 on the Canadian rock/alternative charts in 2014, with Modern Love reaching 18 in 2015 on the same chart.
Mother Mother is headlining, but there is no shortage of amazing acts opening the day. U Fest promised to give an opening spot to a student band, and it seems MRU overwhelmingly wanted that spot to be given to local band Bad Animal. Their dynamic and enthusiastic take on rock has captured the hearts of Calgarians, and Mount Royal students as well. Joining them is Ria Mae, with recognizable singles such as “Gold” and “Clothes Off”. She has no shortage of accomplishments, including a ‘Single of the Year’ nomination at the 2016 Juno Awards.
T. Nile is the third person announced to play, bringing a folk spin on electro-pop with her newest album Tingle & Spark. Lastly, DJ DOSR1 was announced as the fourth act, a student DJ who’s Facebook page describes his music as “lo-fi party music/jazz/bass”.
This year U Fest promised to step up their game, and they have stayed true to their word. Students get in for free, there is a licensed drinking area, and lots of prizes. An outdoor festival just can’t live up to Calgary standards if there isn’t food trucks around, so those will be around as well. Come join Mother Mother, one of the biggest headliners to grace the stage of U Fest, and have some final summer fun before you have to head back to class.
