Mentioning on-campus concerts often churns up memories of the “The Coolio Incident,” when in 2007, the crazy-haired rapper gave an acoustically disastrous performance in Georgetown’s gangster’s paradise, or Leo J. O’Donovan Hall. But now, Georgetown students have a reason to thank the University for its mediocre concerts of yesteryear, because they inspired Daniel Alexander (MSB ’11) to give Georgetown a better show, in the form of the Georgetown Alernative Music Series.
“There was a lot of money and effort going into these concerts,” Alexander said. “But I just didn’t think the product was up to par with what could be done with a much smaller budget.”
His disappointment drove him to apply for last year’s Reimagine Georgetown Grant, a program run by The Corp, Georgetown University Alumni and Student Federal Credit Union, and the Hoya that grants between $500 and $10,000 to students with creative ideas to improve the undergraduate Georgetown experience. After he was awarded the year’s highest grant of $5,000 last November, Alexander’s idea came to fruition last Friday, when GAMS put on its first show.
The free show, which was held in Bulldog Alley, featured District hip-hop artist Kokayi and D.C.-area student groups The Rising Suns and Sea Dog. Kokayi, a past Grammy-nominee, performed with a five-piece band that included Twink, drummer for the notable DC gogo group Mambo Sauce. This concert met all the goals Alexander had set for GAMS. It offered free admission, brought the D.C. music scene to Georgetown, and student groups performed as openers.
These goals were a big part of what put Alexander above his competition for the grant. According to GUASFCU CEO Arjun Mehta (SFS ‘11), successful proposals usually have the possibility of eventually functioning independently. Past winning proposals include Run For Rigby and Harakat, Georgetown’s Arab culture showcase.
Alexander hopes that GAMS will grow enough to continue after he graduates in June, and will partner with other student groups to fund and organize concerts.
With one concert under his belt, Alexander said he plans to put on two more shows in the spring, hopefully in Black Box Theater. With the experience he’s gained from putting on his first show, he feels that he will be able to plan and promote GAMS concerts more effectively next semester.
“I want to create more interest, attract bigger bands and bigger crowds, and grow the series,” Alexander added.
If Friday’s concert is any indication, Georgetown should have high hopes for the next two. Kokayi put on an engaging set that was more enjoyable than any mismanaged shitshow in McDonough.
“It was a success in that there was great music and a lot of people were able to enjoy it,” he said.
