The Georgetown Program Board (GPB)’s annual spring concert brought warm weather, vibrant energy and a glowing sea of students to McDonough Arena for a night of celebration April 4. With a pre-concert bash, high-energy performances from performers Beach Weather and Dayglow, and an electric crowd of students, the event delivered exactly what many Hoyas needed: a lively break from mid-semester stress and the perfect kickoff into spring.
Before the music began, students gathered outside the arena in the McDonough Bus Turnaround for a spring bash, featuring free food trucks, lawn games, an inflatable obstacle course and warm weather.
Students entered McDonough Arena as the sun began to set, where a stage and a vibrant light show transformed the gymnasium into what appeared to be a full-fledged concert venue. From Beach Weather’s very first notes, the crowd’s energy was electric. The entire arena was standing for the duration of the bands’ performances with students dancing, cheering, waving glow sticks and singing along from the barricade to the edges of the gym.
Beach Weather opened the show with a blend of fan favorites and newer tracks from their 2024 album “Melt.” The band’s dreamy pop-rock sound set the mood for the night, while lead singer Nick Santino connected with the crowd through light banter and reflections on his early twenties. Before launching into “Seth Cohen,” the band quipped about how they thought the “The O.C.” character, played by Adam Brody, was the coolest person on TV, with much of the audience seeming to recognize and appreciate the nod to the early 2000s TV icon. Their set also included “High in Low Places,” another standout from “Melt” that showcased the band’s smooth sound between mellow grooves and energetic choruses. While most of the between-song commentary struck a chord with the college-aged audience, some of the self-deprecating jokes, particularly repeated references to the band being losers, didn’t land quite as well. Still, the band’s musical performance delivered. As they closed with their viral hit “Sex, Drugs, Etc.,” the arena lit up with phone screens as nearly everyone in the crowd raised their arms to capture the moment on camera, singing along and swaying to the beat.
Dayglow, an alternative one-man band led by Sloan Struble, followed with a high-energy set that kept the concert’s momentum going. Opening with fan-favorite “Hot Rod,” he moved effortlessly through a vibrant mix of older hits and new tracks from his self-titled 2024 album. Known for his upbeat, feel-good sound, Dayglow was the perfect choice for a university spring concert — his music is the kind of indie pop made to be shared with friends. He interacted with the crowd throughout the night with humor and light-hearted energy, making the arena feel like one big hangout. His set included beloved tracks “Close to You” and “Listerine,” which drew big reactions from fans who sang along to every word, creating a joyful atmosphere in the arena. By the time Dayglow closed with Billboard Top 50 alternative hit “Can I Call You Tonight?,” the night had reached its peak. The arena was buzzing with music and the joy of being in a space filled with good friends, good vibes and even better music.
Altogether, the night felt like a celebration of spring for the Georgetown community, providing connection and a shared break from academic stress. Whether students came for the music, the food, the games or just to have a good time, GPB’s spring concert delivered a night to remember.
