On May 7, students gathered for Movin On’, Penn State University’s annual end of year music festival. This year’s show was more than just a concert, it was a celebration of community, energy, and joy, despite  the rainstorm. Even when soaked, students came together to enjoy live performances, dance with friends, and soak up a night of fun. 

For senior Lily Corvin and sophomore Ella Gourley, the night was more than just music, it was about friendship, nostalgia, and feeling part of something bigger.

“My friend Emily asked me if I wanted to go,” Corvin said. “I went last year, but this year was a lot better because I went with nice people, and the rain actually made it fun.”

Gourley, who attended Movin On’ for the first time this year, had a similar experience.

“My friends invited me, and I thought the concert was quite lovely,” Gourley said. “The rain made it even more fun. It was just a really good time in general.”

One of the night’s highlights was the wide range of performances. From emotional indie pop to classic throwbacks, the artists brought something for everyone.

“My favorite was ‘All American Rejects’ because I knew the songs,” Corvin said.

“All American Rejects,” an American rock band, stood out as one of the most recognizable acts of the night. Their familiar songs like “Dirty Little Secret” had the crowd singing along, adding a fun and familiar energy to the rainy evening.

Gourley was especially excited to see one performer who held personal meaning for her.

“My favorite performer was Claire Rosinkranz,” Gourley said. “During COVID, I used to listen to her song ‘Backyard Boy,’ and it was just a dream come true to actually see it in real life.”

Even with the rain pouring down, the energy of the crowd stayed high. People danced, sang, and cheered under cloudy skies.

“The energy was good,” Corvin said. “Some people seemed miserable because of the rain, but I had fun with it.”

Gourley agreed. “I would rate the energy of the crowd a 9.7 out of 10,” Gourley said. “It was just a fun crowd altogether, maybe not the best I’ve ever seen, but it was great.”

For both students, the concert opened their eyes to new music and deepened their appreciation for the artists who performed.

“After the concert, I realized that I like the artists who performed more,” Corvin said.

Gourley echoed Corvin’s sentiment. “I actually want to listen to the artists who performed much more, especially Pusha T,” Gourley added.

Beyond the music, Movin On’ continues to play a bigger role in shaping campus life at Penn State.

“Things like this are totally important for campus culture,” Gourley said. “It just makes Penn State a lot more fun. Events like this are very attractive.”

Events like Movin’ On are important for campus culture because they bring everyone together in a way that regular classes just can’t. They offer a break from the usual stress, letting students connect with each other and enjoy a shared experience. It’s these kinds of events that create a real sense of community, making Penn State feel more like a place where everyone belongs.

As the concert started to calm down and the crowd slowly dispersed into the wet night, both students knew this was a memory that would stick with them.

“I will remember this night as a fun time with my friends,” Corvin said.

Gourley echoed this. “I will remember this as a sparkly, magic, dream night, it was just wonderful,” Gourley said.

Both agreed they’ll be back next year.

“I would come again next year, especially because I am going to Penn State,” Corvin said.

Whether it was your first time or your last, this years Movin On’ performances  delivered an unforgettable night, rain and all. The energy was contagious, with the crowd fully embracing the moment despite the weather. The performances created lasting memories, and as the night came to a close, it was clear that the event had left its mark on everyone. Movin On’ once again highlighted the importance of these experiences in shaping campus life, leaving everyone excited for what’s to come next year.