Nov. 16 marked the second annual installation of “Bandapalooza” in the Levin Ballroom. Brought together by the Music and Dance Band, Top Score, Klezmer Band, Brandeis Radio Service Student Music Committee and Jam Club, the event showcased eight Brandeis-born bands and one independent musician. The night was marked by community engagement and a passion to make music interactive for all who attended the event. 

Performers were either responders to posters MAD Band put up around campus, those who directly messaged the club on Instagram or event planners themselves, says MAD Band Equipment Manager Yana Stoilova ’28. “All we asked was that you had at least one instrument,” said Stoilova in relation to requirements to be included. The lineup consisted of MAD Band, Top Score, Klezmer Band, Jam Club, Wizards of Usen Castle, The Lockpickers, Ave Physica, Dogwai and Rick Baby. 

Levin Ballroom boomed with music upon entering. On the left side of the room was a row of tables topped with fall-themed refreshments and treats. Participants, with a cup of apple cider and donut in hand, made their way to a seat or crossed the room to discuss instruments and musical opportunities on campus with MAD Band members sitting behind tables with instruments and posters displayed. These posters could be signed by the musicians who performed at the event. Along with the tabling activity, there was a photobooth just outside the ballroom where participants could pose with colorful hats and plastic instruments.  

Although musical acts were intended to begin performing at 7 p.m., a surprise performer kicked off the night as doors were opening at 6:45 p.m. Rick Baby sat atop a stool and strummed a guitar as students, staff and Waltham residents found their seats. Rick Baby is an older gentleman who came to campus by coincidence looking for a place to perform. He recalled there being a coffee shop in years past where musicians were welcome to play. He may be referencing Cholmondeley's Coffee House located in the Usen Castle which closed in 2021. In a conversation with The Justice, Rick Baby expressed his gratitude for the event, remarking, “I wish [Brandeis] had more events like this.” 

As Rick Baby removed his instruments and stool from in front of the stage, Top Score began their set. Top Score is an orchestra on campus that specializes in video game theme songs and television and movie soundtracks. They kicked off the performance with a song from “The Mandalorian” which was encouraged by applause. Various music directors took the helm as the group moved from song to song. The announcement of a composition from the movie “La La Land” incited verbal excitement from the audience. This would be their final medley and the group left the stage to applause. 

The night was filled with raucous reactions from the audience and performers gave the love right back. The Lockpickers descended upon the stage with an improvisational set. Members asked the audience to shout out words to inspire their set. “Squishy” was yelled from the crowd. The musicians began the song and marched around the stage. Bongos were beat, guitars strummed and “squishy” items such as pillows and marshmallows were said into the microphone. The band soon moved on to even more audience participation with the distribution of maracas and egg shakers. Several members of the band jumped from the stage to run around the crowd and pass out instruments to those with their hands raised. As this was occurring, Reed Gao ’25, Deputy President of Jam Club, said, “we hope to share the happiness of improvisation and music with you.” The audience and band began to interact. Those with shakers shook them and those without clapped along. The musicians on stage danced around and their shadows loomed large on the colorful back board under the rotating strobe lights. As the song wound down, a train whistle was blown into the microphone before the band members collected the instruments and took a bow. 

A more traditional performance followed with the Klezmer Band. They play Ashkenazi Jewish folk music known as Klezmer which originated in Eastern Europe. Before commencing, the band invited audience members to get up and dance if they pleased. No one from the audience took up the offer but they did clap and cheer during and after each song. Many of the Klezmer Band’s songs allowed for rotating solos between musicians. The violins with their synchronized strokes took front and center at one point and at another the guitar was the focal point. Before their last song, the musician playing a cajón said, “we hope you enjoyed our performance” and then raised their fist into the air. 

Between musical acts was a magic show by Spike King ’27, titled “Magic Spike.” This portion of the night consisted of King bringing three members of the audience on stage as stereotypical magic show music played from the speakers. The participants were asked to shuffle, split and pick a card from a large deck. King’s magic was revealed when every person with a card was holding a Jack. 

Further audience participation ensued when Jam Club occupied the stage. Jam Club’s mission is to provide anyone who is interested the opportunity to play music. They host weekly jam sessions on Thursdays in Ridgewood Commons where participants of any and all skill levels are welcome. Reed Gao led this portion of the night as he asked audience members to come on stage and pick up one of the various instruments. A couple of guitars, a keyboard, bass guitar, drum set with MAD Band printed on the bass drum and more instruments were all up for grabs. “We want to show you how easy and simple music can be,” remarked Gao as audience members found their way to the stage. Soon every instrument had a player and Gao stated triumphantly, “we have a band.” The newly formed group played for five minutes. They were then replaced with another group of audience members. This newly minted band was called “Quiet Loud Quiet” and also played for five minutes. The night progressed with various other groups taking the stage such as Wizards of Usen Castle and MAD Band.

Throughout the night, Bandapalooza maintained an air of familiarity and community. Between sips of hot cocoa and bites of donut holes, audience members cheered, clapped and played along with the musicians who took their turns on stage. This event showcased not only the musical talent of the Brandeis student body but the support and eagerness for involvement that their fans possess.