Drexel’s Flux organization put on its annual spring festival—Lawn Jawn—this past Friday, May 30. The event took place outside Westphal from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The event offered a variety of music from 12-6 p.m., including performers such as Planet Kareem, @, Chriss, Chioke, Kuomo and Cowboy Sextape. Planet Kareem kicked off the event as the opening DJ for the event, spinning modern classic hits by Beyonce, Rihanna and other R&B artists.
Cowboy Sextape was the first musical act to perform, debuting their song “Posh,” which was released on the same day as the event. Cowboy Sextape earned their spot at Lawn Jawn by winning Flux’s Battlefest contest. Cowboy Sextape’s music does not fit into a single genre, but rather combines elements of screamo, punk and alt rock. The crowd loved it, and the newly-formed band was a hit at Lawn Jawn, spreading good vibes throughout the crowd.
Next up, Chriss hit the audience with “Supermodel,” a classic SZA song that a majority of the audience appreciated. Compared to the sets of other singers, her sound eventually shifted to more original songs with R&B and soul influences. Her tunes appeared to move the audience while also allowing them to enjoy the soothing instrumentals.
Despite rain during their set, Kuomo’s immersive, raw and expansive sound continued to improve the event. Kuomo’s electric guitar had a certain intensity along with the mind-bending sounds that they produced. While there were some live sound issues, the artists found a way to continue the event and express their genuine selves through their distinct music. Chioke’s energetic rhythm drew a lot of support from the crowd. Most of her tracks incorporate elements of R&B, psychedelic production and a soulful vibe.
One of the standouts of Lawn Jawn this year was @, a folk-pop duo comprised of Stone Filipczak and Victoria Rose. They played a low-key, casual set, but one that stuck with the audience. People sat and listened and were truly engaged. They played songs from their album “Mind Palace Music” and their new EP “Are You There Yet God? It’s Me, @.” The music was subtle and beautiful, with soft instrumentals and clear vocals that fit the setting absolutely perfectly, and they were certainly a highlight of the day.
The event also featured three food trucks: Bro and Sis Halal, Cream & Ice and Humphrey Dumpling. Cream & Ice was a crowd favorite, offering delicious sweet treats in the warm weather. Several local and student vendors were at the event selling a variety of items such as clothing, jewelry, crafts, art and stickers. One student-run shop, Konbini, offered screen-printed shirts, stickers and other small goods like matchboxes to fund the vendor’s senior project.
Overall, Lawn Jawn was a fantastic way to kick off the summer season, providing an enjoyable afternoon on campus filled with good music, tasty food and opportunities to support local sellers.
