We Brought the Juice and They Brought the Jam
Didn’t go? Here’s what you missed.
by RHYLEE HUDSON ★ OCTOBER 18, 2023
“Music makes me feel like I am alive and concerts are the best way to hear the songs I love live,” freshman Bridget Dougherty said when I asked her, “Why did you decide to come to Juice Jam?” This sentiment is likely shared throughout most of the university as well. Gen Z undoubtedly has a connection with modern music and the artists who create it. Many college students balling on a budget do not get to go to concerts that are very accessible. But, here at SU, there are student organizations that make sure we do.
Syracuse is shaping up to be a school that cares about and values music as much as their students do. Not many schools have events like Juice Jam, Block Party, and Bandersnatch. At Syracuse, we have the privilege to say that these amazing events have brought us together as one music-loving community.
A few weekends ago was the 19th annual Syracuse University Juice Jam festival, and every year it just gets better. This time, the lineup featured Ryan Beatty, Rachel Grae, Denzel Curry, and the legend himself: Flo Rida. (And yes, he sang “Where Them Girls At”).
Organized by University Union, Juice Jam is definitely one of the biggest events that students look forward to each year.
Students were most excited to see Flo Rida, and he definitely made his mark on SU. Starting off with “Good Feeling,” he matched the crowd's happiness and got us all ready for his amazing set. Bouncing between songs like “Right Round”, “My House”, “Low”, “GDFR”, “Club Can’t Handle Me”, and more, the crowd never stopped dancing and singing along.
Prior to Flo Rida coming out, the stage was rocked by Mark Samuel, Ryan Beatty, and Rachel Grae.
Mark Samuel is a student DJ here at Syracuse, and this was his first time performing at an event of this level. “I love watching people dance, like I love when I put a song on and everyone in the room just starts dancing and singing—it's just the best thing to see,” he said of his passion for DJ-ing. Through Juice Jam, he got to see more people groove than ever.
Rachel Grae has an amazing raw voice, and she really knows how to talk to a crowd. (Personally, I added “Your Loss” to my playlist directly after hearing it; I suggest you do too). It started pouring during her set but she never missed a beat. Rachel is definitely an up and coming artist to keep an eye on these next few years!
Ryan Beatty performed next, and what can I say? The man can sing. He sat down for the entire set, making the performance feel so intimate for being at such a big venue. He even talked to the crowd between songs and I know a few of us fell in love. You can tell that he certainly knows how to make sure his audience is entertained, even from the back of the crowd.
Denzel Curry was the icing on the cake for me. I had not listened to him prior to Juice Jam, but my first impression upon listening was WOW. He was comedic and had incredible music, making the audience simultaneously laugh and dance. What else could you ask for? But seriously, the energy was crazy (so. much. jumping.) and he had such a good attitude, making him my favorite performer of the day.
If you didn’t go to Juice Jam, you clearly missed out. I’m 100% going into the rest of the semester with a new Spotify playlist and anticipation for next year’s lineup!