The University of Rhode Island’s Musicians Guild hosted a semi-formal Guild Prom on Sunday in the Memorial Union, featuring five different bands.
“We usually do free shows, but I feel we’re delivering a very high level of quality [at the prom],” first-year Dj Lepine, member of the guild and DJ at the event said.
The guild charged $5 for entry in an effort to help raise money for the organization’s operating costs, according to third-year Sam Riccio, vice president of the Musicians Guild.
“We always try to do little fundraising things like this,” Riccio said. “Every little bit counts.”
The guild’s executive board helped put together the prom as well as organizing shows, communicating with venues and guiding the club’s musicians, according to Riccio. They also provide equipment such as microphones, amplifiers, cables and a drum kit to the bands through their allocated budget.
“[The executive board] are really the backbone of the guild,” Lepine said.
There are between seven and 10 bands in the guild; however, new bands are popping up and joining often, according to Riccio.
First-year Laiza Lopes, a member of the guild and the lead singer of Crushd Lyme, performed at Guild Prom and shared her experience with the guild.
“[Working with the Musicians Guild] has been super fun,” Lopez said. “I’ve found such a community here. 90% of my friends are here, so it’s just awesome.”
On April 26, the guild will be hosting Guildy Fest on the Memorial Union courtyard from noon to 10 p.m.
“We’re going to have as many bands as possible,” Riccio said. “We will have acoustic acts [and] we will have an open-mic section for people to do covers. It’s a fun day where everyone can pull up and hang out on the lawn.”
The guild held elections two weeks ago and elected an entire new executive board, according to Riccio.
“[They’re] all rising sophomores and rising juniors, so we’re really hoping and looking forward to a new direction and fresh new ideas,” Riccio said. “I’ve been in this club since I got here at URI. I’m a junior now, so it’s kind of been a lot of the same. There’s been new ideas this year, but I’m just excited to see where the club goes.”
The guild hosted free shows in the 193 Coffeehouse in the Memorial Union throughout the year, and they have been a great collaborative partner, according to Riccio.
“It’s a low key-vibe,” Riccio said. “It’s kind of like doing a house show, but it’s in an official venue. There’s always a sense of community there, even if you don’t know everyone there.”
The Musicians Guild posts all of their upcoming shows and events on their Instagram page @urimusiciansguild.
