Rowan’s student-run alternative music group, Rowan Alternative Music, had its first show of 2024 on Jan. 26 at Tune Lagoon in Glassboro, NJ. Open to all for a small fee that goes towards supporting the club, the show shared the hardcore music of bands from out of state, such as Nailed Shut, who traveled from Boston, MA to perform. After the wild success of their “Emo Night” last semester, Rowan Alt was prepared to bring their all.

President of Rowan Alternative Music and lead singer of Glassboro’s very own Shark Earrings, Sammi Kantor, says that starting the semester strong with a hardcore show is “crazy” because of the “tight fans” these bands attract. Within seconds of the first performance by Delaware’s Execute, the self-proclaimed “metalcore” band moved the crowd into an exciting mosh pit that filled more than half of the intimate venue.

“Getting the chance to play at Tune Lagoon was awesome,” the band said. “The show was packed, every person was kind and welcoming, the venue was run well and the vibes were on.”

The Delaware band attracted fans and newbies alike with their hard-hitting set.

“It’s great to see that locals in Glassboro care about showing out for their scene no matter what kind of bill it is.”

After only one set, the Rowan Alt concert was capped, unable to accept any more excited fans. The second band of the evening, Nailed Shut, played a variety of covers and original songs to ramp up the show. Traveling six hours the day of the show, Nailed Shut was ready to rock, and wreck, the house. Screaming in fans’ faces, standing on drum sets, and bringing his all, Nailed Shut’s lead singer, Asher Thomas, encouraged the crowd to get wilder and wilder, creating an unforgettable night for many of the audience members. One fan, Kristina Greiner, explains how “the atmosphere was insane” and the show was “unlike anything” she had seen before. Another fan, Isa Gregory, shares how “the energy from both the bands and crowd” was “an incomparable experience.”

Being from Boston, MA, where Nailed Shut members say the music scene is “absolutely incredible,” the band was excited to play in small town Glassboro.

“It is shows like the Tune Lagoon show we played that makes us able to pursue this thing we love doing so much,” said Nailed Shut. “These shows are a place for all creatives to come together and feel safe, connected, and confident in themselves.”

The band finishes their statement by thanking Glassboro for having them and expresses their excitement to be back in the area in Philly on March 15 at Over Yonder with bands Execute, Trunk, and Damage Control for their March 2024 Tour. While this is only the beginning, the opening band Execute gives thanks to “Sammi, Max, and everyone who came out” for making their “first show in Jersey so sick!” 

After the overwhelming success of their first show, Rowan Alternative Music is excited to produce more shows throughout the spring semester. This crazy and lit club is only getting started as their President, Sammi hints at some big things coming soon: “It’ll be crazy.”

To learn more about Rowan Alternative Music, check out their Instagram @rowanaltmusic. To hear more from the bands that played at the show, follow Execute on Instagram @executeyouall and Nailed Shut @nailedshutma. 

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