LEAD
Grizzly Bear Growls: A Review of the Phenomenal Collaboration between UMS and UMMA through One Great Band
By Sarah Osman and Louisa Ainsworth
November 2, 2009
Saturday, September 26th was a night of many firsts. At the top of them was University Musical Society's sold out season opener, Grizzly Bear, at the historic Michigan Theatre. The proclaimed "art-rock" quartet soothed the ranging audience with their hypnotic harmonies. The term art-rock is peculiar one as it denotes a sort of avant-garde music subgenre -- experimental really. It brings up ideas between art and music and how the two communicate through different mediums yet are still one in the same. I guess it makes sense that UMS decided to collaborate with UMMA in honor of the Andy Warhol exhibit currently on view at the UMMA. The connection is natural; Andy Warhol was considered an avant-garde artist, innovative in his approach. He also had a huge connection to music, most notably his work with The Velvet Underground. Christina Lang, the curator of the exhibit, has said this is the first ever collaboration between UMMA and UMS ever and is "the beginning of what will come to be a beautiful relationship." The turnout was phenomenal, with a Warhol-inspired "15 Minutes of Fame" photo booth and a d.j. playing in the lobby before the show and during the intermission. I took my turn in the spotlight being sure to adjust my collar and primp my bow. I actually heard through the grapevine that even Ed Droste and Christopher Bear of Grizzly Bear casually dropped by, before the hoards of fans occupied the lobby of course. Another first was the fact that this was the first concert I flew to solo. Short on time and money, I only just got the ticket the day before, I knew it was an event I would not want to miss. I was pleasantly surprised when the seat attendant kept leading me all the way down to the 4th row, unvbelievable! I still have no idea how I got such a great seat for a student rush ticket price of only $10!