by Micah Sommer

Although Comstock field was not packed with people, it was clear a party was going on Saturday night. Student Activities Board (SAB) hosted a luau, which included free food, drinks and music by PanUSA, a band that featured steel drums and a calypso-jazz fusion sound.  The event culminated with lei-wearing students participating in a high-energy limbo dance.

The atmosphere of the luau was laid-back throughout most of its duration.  The band’s playing was energetic but fairly low-key; they performed without amplification after the sound system Earlham provided began malfunctioning.  Senior Alex Arnold, a music major, said that it was the music that drew him to the event.

“It was the steel drums that got me,” he admitted.  He also described the atmosphere as “very relaxing,” just what he needed before tackling schoolwork the next day.

Sophomore Collin Schulze concurred that the music was the highlight of the event.  He described the band as “groovy,” and commented on the “beautiful balance the steel drum provides” for the sound of the band.  However, he did express disappointment over the quality of the food provided; it consisted of hamburgers along with chips, popcorn and non-alcoholic mixed drinks.

Junior Alli Hunnicutt also enjoyed the evening.  “This reminds me of my Bahamas May term,” she said.  “It makes me happy.”

The four-man PanUSA played what band member Tom Berich described as “a mix of Caribbean and jazz,” with a repertoire that also includes some pop songs.

Berich explained that the group is based in Bloomington, Ind. but travels all over the country, playing for corporate events, fairs and jazz clubs, among other venues.  Saturday night was their first time performing at Earlham.

Along with dancing and listening to the music, groups of students stood socializing over food and drinks. There were also opportunities to play cornhole and toss around some Frisbees.  A few adventurous students even saw the opportunity for a quick shower, taking advantage of the sprinklers watering the neighboring soccer field.

Although the event officially began at 9 p.m., that time saw the band still warming up and SAB members still preparing the food and drink tables.  However, a sizeable crowd soon formed, composed mostly of Earlham College students but also including several seminary students.

At 10:30 p.m. the limbo dance began, and the previously laid-back atmosphere gained intensity.  Limber students showed off their flexibility as an energetic crowd gathered to cheer them on.  The band provided the soundtrack for the contest, which finally came down to a battle between seniors Emily Doering and Seth Herr, with Doering ultimately emerging triumphant, to spectators’ hearty cheers.

Soon after the limbo competition was concluded, the crowd began to disperse.  Attendees moved on to other activities, many no doubt heading towards rowdier and less official gatherings.  A few students stayed to dance romantically by torchlight, but for all intents and purposes the party had ended.

PanUSA, seeing that their audience had for the most part dissipated, ended their set and packed up at 11 p.m., an hour earlier than the event’s official ending time of midnight.  A few students arrived shortly after, expecting to encounter music and revelry, only to be disappointed.

Senior Samantha Bossman, the SAB convener, called the event a success.  She said that SAB’s goal was to create a “chill, relaxed” atmosphere.  The event was planned after the success of last year’s similar event, which featured Polynesian fire-dancers.

“Earlham students like to be outside,” she said, explaining that SAB’s next event will also take place on Comstock field, this time featuring Southern rock trio Tin Horse.