At The Drive In reunited

By Max Anderson

Texas State student

AUSTIN, Tx – For the first time in 11 years the members of At The Drive In took the stage together. They kicked off their tour in the capital of Texas and tickets for the Austin show sold-out in fewer than 15 minutes.

News about the concert first appeared on twitter, a popular social media website, and links to the tickets were posted on ATDI and Cedric Bixler Zavalla's page. Tickets went on sale three days before the show, with no advanced warning of a show in Austin, and sold-out in 11 minutes. Many fans were upset because they could not get tickets, but that did not stop about 150 fans from listening to ATDI’s first performance in 11 years.

ATDI played on the outdoor stage at Red 7, located on 7^th street. In the alley behind Red 7, about 150 fans gathered to listen to ATDI’s hour-long set. People climbed trees, sat on fences and stood on dumpsters to get a glimpse of the band. Although the stage was not visible through the 10-foot tall concrete wall, the music was loud.

Fans danced, cheered, and sang along with the band on the other side of the wall. A few daring fans even slipped through a neighboring gate and scaled a wall just to get a peak of the band. ATDI played old favorites “Arcarsenal,"“Pattern Against User," “Napoleon Solo," “Catacombs," “One Armed Scissor” and many more.

After the show ATDI was rushed off stage and into a black unmarked van waiting in the alley. Fans gathered around the van and took pictures and cheered as the van drove off. Everyone appeared to be in high spirits except for Omar Rodriguez Lopez. Lopez barely moved around on stage, and he sat looking perplexed when the van made its getaway.

ATDI debuted their tour in a handful of cities in their home state before heading to Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Reunited for the first time in 11 years, ATDI is breathing new life into old hits and giving fans a moment they never thought would happen again. 

Texas State’s Hoodie Day

By Max Anderson

Texas State University student

SAN MARCOS – Students, faculty and staff at Texas State gathered in front of the Stallions on Tuesday, March 27, to show solidarity with the family of Trayvon Martin and raise awareness about social injustice issues.

George Zimmerman, a volunteer neighborhood watchman, shot and killed an unarmed Martin as he was walking back to his father’s girlfriend’s house from a 7-Eleven. Zimmerman shot Martin after he called police to report him as a suspicious person because the 17-year-old was wearing a hooded jacket the night of the incident.

Texas State’s Hoodie Day attracted a large crowd of students, faculty and staff, including Associated Student Government President AJ Degarmo.

“This is a tragic case; it was a senseless crime,” said AJ Degarmo. “However, this is only one example of many things I see across our nation every single day.”

The 80-degree weather did not stop people from wearing hoodies to show their support for Martin. Several people gave speeches and a moment of silence was held in the memory of Trayvon Martin.

“For instance, the hoodie, to me isn’t just a hoodie that he was used to be a victim, it represents the identity that all of us carry,” said AJ Degarmo. “This hoodie is taking on so much more of that symbol, that it’s something we all can gravitate towards and speak our minds about.”

While the Trayvon Martin case has turned into a national issue it is only highlighting the larger issue of discrimination and violence.

“I think it’s important to let people know while the Trayvon Martin issue is saddening, while it’s alarming, while it’s an issue in itself, Trayvon Martin is not the first and he’s not going to be the last, sadly,” said Mike Yates. “I could be the next Trayvon Martin.”

Yates is a senator at Texas State, and believes that it is important for leaders to be outspoken about important issues.

“This is important to me because Trayvon could have been me. Trayvon could have been my little brother. Trayvon could have been my little cousin, and that would hit directly home for me,” said Jay Hawkins. “This is going to be pivotal in the movement between peace and justice for all people.”

The Underrepresented Student Advisory Council, Department of Sociology and Department of Anthropology sponsored the event.

###