By: Kristen Proffitt
From April 24th through April 26th, students in the Radio/Audio Production program at EVIT will take over 88.7 The Pulse for a 48-hour live broadcast. Kicking off Friday at 3 PM and running all the way through Sunday afternoon at 4 PM, the Rock-A-Thon is the program’s second annual radio-thon—and it’s set to be bigger and better than ever.
The entire weekend is broadcast live, with no pre-recorded programming. Listeners can expect nonstop music, live DJ sets, original student shows, concerts, and special guests throughout the full 48 hours.
The Rock-A-Thon Concert Lineup
This year’s Rock-A-Thon features an exciting mix of local artists, alumni, and student performers spread throughout the weekend.
On Friday night, live music takes over with performances from The Everbodies at 7 PM, 3 Finger Friday at 8 PM, and Quadrant 44 at 9 PM. The night also features multiple live editions of On The Record, including shows with Noah Allen, Elli Rodgers, and Henry Bridwell.
On Saturday, the lineup continues with Lonely Estate at 7 PM, The Rebounds at 8 PM, and Dean Neilson at 9 PM. DJ Acee also brings a live mix from 10–12 Midnight, along with more live On The Record performances into the night.
By Sunday, the music keeps going with additional On The Record performances featuring Grasshopper, Jaqueeroquai, Veinticinco Perritos, and 3 Finger Friday, along with a full day of student-hosted programming leading into the final sign-off.
Who Are The Bands?
Our first band to perform on Friday is The Everbodies, whose members were previously students in the Radio/Audio Production program. “We love all things rock music,” Ben, the band’s singer, told us. “But we’re also into more pop rock, as you can hear in our sound.”
Lonely Estate, performing Saturday evening, are also alumni. It’s always exciting to welcome former students back to campus. Alongside them are current student performers like 3 Finger Friday. “I’d like them [fans] to see us as a standout rock band,” said Spike, the band’s guitarist and occasional singer. “We’re our own sound, but we resemble things like Rush and Yes.”
Also in the lineup is Quadrant 44, a local rock band from Tucson that has previously performed with The Pulse, along with Dean Neilson, a group known for bringing a fun, high-energy performance. The Rebounds, an alternative indie band from Phoenix, round out the lineup with a mix of original music and covers, including their recent release, “Porch Light.”
More Than Just Music
In addition to live concerts, Rock-A-Thon features a full schedule of student-run content. Shows like Wrestlezona, iTech Show, Wes’s Pop Rewind, Thinking Out Loud, Wrench Nation and Sports Hour will air throughout the weekend, along with a variety of music DJ sets and overnight specialty programming.
Based in Mesa, Arizona, EVIT’s Radio/Audio Production program gives students hands-on experience in live broadcasting, making the Rock-A-Thon a unique student radio event that showcases emerging local talent and real-world media skills.
How Can You Get Involved?
The Rock-A-Thon is made possible through the support of our community. You can contribute by donating, participating in the silent auction at 887thepulse.com, or spreading the word.
To get involved, contact General Manager Michael Mallace at mmallace@evit.edu or visit 887thepulse.com to learn more. Even if you can’t donate, sharing the event and tuning in goes a long way.
Be sure to listen in April 24th–26th on 88.7 The Pulse, online or our apps for 48 hours of live student radio—and get ready to rock!
