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Well-preserved: Juice Jam celebrates 10-year tradition of musical entertainment

By Jackie Frere Staff writer
The first Juice Jam concert took place in 2004 at the Lawrinson Hall parking lot. Tickets were free on a first-come-first-serve basis, and about 3,000 students flooded the lot to see Method Man and De La Soul.
The first Juice Jam concert took place in 2004 at the Lawrinson Hall parking lot. Tickets were free on a first-come-first-serve basis, and about 3,000 students flooded the lot to see Method Man and De La Soul. Daily Orange File Photo
Motion City Soundtrack, along with Blackalicious, rocked the stage in 2005. Students had mixed reactions about the lineup because of the small-name bands, but Barnes said UU evolves each year, as are the artists they are bringing to SU.
Motion City Soundtrack, along with Blackalicious, rocked the stage in 2005. Students had mixed reactions about the lineup because of the small-name bands, but Barnes said UU evolves each year, as are the artists they are bringing to SU. Daily Orange File Photo
In 2006, secondary act Dashboard Confessional outshone headline act Ozomatli, a Latin band. The headliner paled in comparison to the lead singer of Dashboard Confessional, who made college girls swoon.
In 2006, secondary act Dashboard Confessional outshone headline act Ozomatli, a Latin band. The headliner paled in comparison to the lead singer of Dashboard Confessional, who made college girls swoon. Daily Orange File Photo
Juice Jam came to Skytop Field in 2007, and Third Eye Blind rocked South Campus. This was the start of a new tradition and gave UU the opportunity to sell more tickets than ever before.
Juice Jam came to Skytop Field in 2007, and Third Eye Blind rocked South Campus. This was the start of a new tradition and gave UU the opportunity to sell more tickets than ever before. Daily Orange File Photo
Syracuse natives Ra Ra Riot opened the 2008 concert and were followed by hip-hop star Talib Kweli. The members of Ra Ra Riot came together as seniors at SU in 2006, and the band has since toured internationally.
Syracuse natives Ra Ra Riot opened the 2008 concert and were followed by hip-hop star Talib Kweli. The members of Ra Ra Riot came together as seniors at SU in 2006, and the band has since toured internationally. Daily Orange File Photo
For the first time, UU released a survey in the summer of 2009 to gather student opinions about the festival’s set list. Girl Talk, Jack’s Mannequin and The Cool Kids rocked out on a more alternative stage. “Sometimes, it’s difficult finding a happy medium, but our concert board does a great job of finding who is up-and-coming and who is going to make it big,” Barnes said.
For the first time, UU released a survey in the summer of 2009 to gather student opinions about the festival’s set list. Girl Talk, Jack’s Mannequin and The Cool Kids rocked out on a more alternative stage. “Sometimes, it’s difficult finding a happy medium, but our concert board does a great job of finding who is up-and-coming and who is going to make it big,” Barnes said. Daily Orange File Photo
2010 became the first year in Syracuse University history that the most anticipated concert of the year sold out. Lupe Fiasco and Passion Pit brought more than 5,000 students to Skytop Field. This year, more than 9,500 students will dance on South Campus.
2010 became the first year in Syracuse University history that the most anticipated concert of the year sold out. Lupe Fiasco and Passion Pit brought more than 5,000 students to Skytop Field. This year, more than 9,500 students will dance on South Campus. Daily Orange File Photo
Doubling as a tribute event for the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, the 2011 Juice Jam lineup included chart-toppers Avicii and B.o.B and Chiddy Bang. “Avicii played a two-hour set, which is unreal,” Barnes said. “The headliner, B.o.B., was absolutely amazing as well. ‘Airplanes’ was really taking off when he came.”
Doubling as a tribute event for the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, the 2011 Juice Jam lineup included chart-toppers Avicii and B.o.B and Chiddy Bang. “Avicii played a two-hour set, which is unreal,” Barnes said. “The headliner, B.o.B., was absolutely amazing as well. ‘Airplanes’ was really taking off when he came.” Daily Orange File Photo
Rapper Childish Gambino and electronic dance DJ Calvin Harris took the 2012 stage. That year, $1 from each ticket sold supported the victims of the July 20 Aurora, Colorado movie theater shooting.
Rapper Childish Gambino and electronic dance DJ Calvin Harris took the 2012 stage. That year, $1 from each ticket sold supported the victims of the July 20 Aurora, Colorado movie theater shooting. Sam Maller | Staff Photographer
In 2013, Juice Jam became the first student-run music festival in the country. With high-profile acts like Kendrick Lamar and Nicky Romero, University Union president Megan Barnes said students’ reactions were extremely positive. “To see a student festival happen on your campus, I can’t see how students wouldn’t be excited about that,” she said.
In 2013, Juice Jam became the first student-run music festival in the country. With high-profile acts like Kendrick Lamar and Nicky Romero, University Union president Megan Barnes said students’ reactions were extremely positive. “To see a student festival happen on your campus, I can’t see how students wouldn’t be excited about that,” she said. Sam Maller | Staff Photographer
Published on September 4, 2014 at 12:01 am
Contact Jackie: jmfrere@syr.edu | @jackie_frere

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