Students costumed as a giant sperm, a purple grim reaper, a medieval knight and a variety of other characters were among the attendants last night at the kickoff Halloween event of 2003.
Atop Harrison College House, three of Penn's student-led bands -- Makeshift, Rail 3 and Guy (Incognito) -- highlighted a host of holiday festivities at a collaborative event between Penn PM and Penn Collective.
In a sea of people that packed the arena, costumed students, including Harrison College House Dean Frank Pellicone, who was in his skeleton attire, enjoyed the harmonious melodies of Makeshift and Guy (Incognito).
"Rail 3," a classic rock cover band that was accompanied by Wharton Professor Nick Gonedes, also gave a performance amidst cheering and holiday socializing.
Gonedes is an organizer of Up on Stage, a branch of Penn Collective that allows students to get together and perform their music for the Penn community every other Saturday night in the Rathskellar Lounge of Harnwell College House.
"It's fabulous," Gonedes said. "Up on Stage provides a venue for people at Penn to perform" without any pressure, and to simply enjoy themselves.
The environment at last night's event certainly was laid back. People came because they knew they'd have a great time, they said.
"I love Up on Stage. When I want to enjoy myself on a Saturday night I go over to Up on Stage and listen to their host of great regulars play," said William Marsh, a Engineering sophomore and Up on Stage enthusiast.
Kusha Tavakoli, who attendant Peter Sobieraj called undoubtedly the most animated host around, declared authoritatively, "Up on Stage is the greatest... show on Earth!"
"I hope to see it continue to serve the fringe of the Penn music scene," said Tavakoli, an Engineering sophomore.
"Anybody who wants to play can use our Web site to network with other musicians, put together nearly any kind of band and be performing that weekend. What more could you want at college?" he added.
Students in attendance echoed Tavakoli's enthusiasm for the event, showing off and discussing their costumes as they listened to the performances.
The acts and intermingling were also interspersed with a variety of Halloween trivia activities and a pizza dinner for students.
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