We’re all used to that same Saturday night in Cro. The smell, the white walls, the tile- they’ve all been branded in our minds and almost become a second nature to some- a Saturday night ritual. This year one of the SAC Executive Board’s goals was to “diversify events and utilize a variety of places on and off-campus” explains SAC Co-Chair Olivia Wilcox ’15. This weekend SAC accomplished their goal, or some would say knocked it out of the park, hosting a concert at the Hygienic Art Park in New London.
Little do many people know, the park has had quite a history before becoming what it is today. Starting as the Hygienic Restaurant in 1919 the restaurant served as New London’s only 24-hour eatery. The Hygienic Art Incorporation then began in 1979 and hosted its first exhibit in the restaurant and place for artists to show one piece of their work. After a successful first show, the Art Exhibition became an annual festival in New London. Despite the restaurant later closing, the show continued and was held in various historic venues throughout New London.
In 1996 the original building of the Hygienic Restaurant was being prepared for demolition in order to accommodate a bank parking lot on Main Street, and this ignited a grassroots effort as the local community worked to save the Historically Registered building. Through partnerships with many state-wide and local organizations the Hygienic Art Incorporation bought the building and renovated it to accommodate a residential artists co-op and public art galleries. At the 21st annual exhibition in 2000, the building opened and remains today as a symbol of community activism and the arts.
Presently, this unique space hosts several events throughout the year. With a park next to the building, SAC put this dynamic outdoor space to use hosting this year’s Spring Concert. With over 300 students being bused between the park and Conn, it strayed far from the typical or ritualistic Saturday.
Conn’s very own MOBROC band The Banditos kicked off the night with their much loved classics. Collier Gray, a member of The Banditos said “It was awesome to get into New London for a show. Hygienic Art Park is a great venue and the audience’s mentality is totally different when they make it to a show off-campus.”
Following The Banditos, X-Ambassadors, a New York based band, performed as the headliners for the night. While the majority of Conn students didn’t know much about the band, it was apparent that everyone enjoyed the night. SAC tends to have a knack for finding bands right before their big break. Jeff Celniker ‘17, Director of Musical Events and Concerts, has done an exceptional job introducing Conn students to new and different bands. Recently featured on TV, the X-Ambassadors are bound to make their big break.
Celniker explained that he “heard their top song Jungle during the World Cup and it became a favorite over the summer.” When the Concerts Committee first started planning the spring concert Celniker and the crew thought that a band, rather than a DJ, would be best as it appeals to a wide range of kids. Featuring songs from their most recent album, Love Songs Drug Songs, Celniker and his committee made the right choice as when Jungle came on excitement flowed through the crowd. Although a shorter set, students were happy to be somewhere new and listening to different music rather than another DJ.
The community outreach through events such as these are crucial to our developing relationship with New London. Getting students off campus is never an easy task but a change of pace can make it a success. Alumna Sarah Huckins reflected that “I think it’s great that there’s been an increase in the spaces used for events since my time here, it makes things more exciting.” Celniker agrees and explained that in his position on SAC he is “definitely invested in bridging the gap between the surrounding area and Conn.”
All in all, SAC succeeded in doing things differently. The music was enjoyed by all, members of New London community stopped by the park to see what was happening, and students got a taste of one of New London’s many hidden artistic gems. •
