Captivating Performances at the SOS Festival
The Start of School (SOS) Festival, a cherished tradition at Middlebury College, kicked off this year with electrifying performances by Twisted Teens and Greg Freeman, organized by campus radio station WRMC and supported by the Middlebury College Activities Board (MCAB).
On September 18, McCullough Lawn transformed into a vibrant concert venue as students gathered in anticipation. Hailing from New Orleans, Twisted Teens, led by vocalist Caspian Hollywell, delivered an unforgettable night filled with their unique blend of country, funk, and folk music.
Idanesi Ojior ’27, co-concert committee manager of WRMC, praised Hollywell’s “obsessive” voice and engaging stage presence, which encouraged the audience to sing and dance. The captivating mix of Hollywell’s vocals and RJ “The Razor” Santos’s guitar skills created a mesmerizing “weeping” sound that enchanted attendees.
Despite being recorded in Hollywell’s apartment, their music resonated deeply with the crowd. “Magical and so fun,” was how Kate McCall ’30 described the experience.
The second act, indie rock artist Greg Freeman, energized the crowd further with his hit “Come and Change My Body,” leading to spontaneous singing and dancing among students. Freeman, who previously lived in Burlington, has gained recognition for his debut album “I Looked Out” and his upcoming release, “Burnover,” which was praised by Pitchfork.
The festival atmosphere was electric, with students enjoying food trucks and reveling in the music. For Myrah Valmyr ’27, the event’s co-concert committee manager, the months of planning culminated in a fulfilling experience. The excitement built as confirmation emails arrived, and seeing their efforts come to fruition was rewarding.
As the night approached its climax, students set aside their devices, fully engaging with the performances. For first-years like Zachary Rodgers ’30, it was a lively way to bond as a community, while seniors like Valmyr felt nostalgic knowing this was their last festival.
The SOS Festival not only provided entertainment but also strengthened the ties within the Middlebury community, illustrating the power of music to bring people together in a shared experience.
Editor’s Note: Editor-in-Chief Norah Khan ’27 contributed reporting to this article.
