Smile Politely

Last minute change of venue doesn’t dilute Spring Jam

Ashanti Thomas
A performer pointing towards the audience, connecting with them as he performs. He is dressed in a white t-shirt, highlighting his tattooed arms. The stage is lit with deep blue and red lights, which adds to the intensity of the scene.
Ashanti Thomas

This year’s Spring Jam at the University of Illinois saw a last-minute venue change due to severe weather concerns, moving the annual event indoors to the State Farm Center. Originally planned for the Main Quad, the anticipated outdoor concert was relocated to ensure attendees’ safety against forecasted winds exceeding 40 MPH. Despite these adjustments, the event successfully kicked off at 2 p.m. on April 28, maintaining a lively atmosphere, full of eager students wanting to blow off some steam.

The first image depicts a crowd of concertgoers with their smartphones raised, capturing the moment with lights shining from the screens, creating a sparkling effect throughout the crowd. The atmosphere is vibrant with blue and orange lights illuminating the scene from above, adding a celebratory glow over the audience.
Ashanti Thomas

At show time, the State Farm Center was lit up by nothing but the signature orange and blue colors surrounding the stadium and the crowd’s cell phone lights, waiting for NLE Choppa to appear. Even though the wait was longer than expected, the crowd of students still had unbelievable energy for NLE Choppa when he finally came out on stage. The DJ hyped the crowd up by having them chant “NLE Choppa” and “Chop Shotta” right before he greeted everyone. He did apologize for being late due to flight problems but assured the crowd of students that “we’re here and we’re gonna rock out” which was met with cheers and screams. NLE broke out into a performance with amazing energy and engagement with the crowd. He seemed like he was having as much fun as the crowd while doing his signature moves up on stage and pointing and smiling at fans below him.

Captured in a moment of exuberance, a male performer stands on stage with one arm raised high, singing passionately into a microphone. He wears a dark hoodie, illuminated by the vibrant red and blue lights of the stage, with a backdrop that features event banners.
Ashanti Thomas

NLE Choppa was chosen as the Spring Jam headline artist through a student survey, and he delivered an electrifying performance that resonated well with the student body. The concert, a collaboration between the Illini Union, State Farm Center, the Illini Union Board, and Star Course UIUC, highlighted the adaptive spirit of the university community, ensuring that the Spring Jam tradition continued uninterrupted, providing a memorable experience for the students despite unforeseen challenges.

A male performer energetically engaging with the audience, singing into a microphone. He is wearing a white t-shirt layered under a yellow garment, with his tattoos visible on his arms. The stage background glows with intense blue and red lights, enhancing the dynamic expression of his performance.
Ashanti Thomas
A group of young women at a concert, smiling and enjoying the event. One of them is wearing a white tank top with the text "NLE's Pillow," adding a personal touch to the scene. The background is filled with other concert attendees, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere.
Ashanti Thomas
Two young women are featured at the forefront of a crowd, smiling broadly as they enjoy a concert. They appear to be in a moment of joy, surrounded by other attendees under the dim lighting of the venue, which adds a warm and inviting feel to the scene.
Ashanti Thomas
A male performer on stage in a thoughtful pose, holding a microphone. He is dressed in a dark blue hoodie, under soft lighting that creates a contemplative atmosphere.
Ashanti Thomas
A male performer is captured mid-song, intensely focused, singing into a microphone. He is wearing a white t-shirt and light grey shorts, his arms and neck adorned with tattoos. The stage lighting casts a dramatic red and blue glow, emphasizing his dynamic presence.
Ashanti Thomas
In this vibrant stage scene, a male performer actively engages with the audience, microphone in hand, under dramatic red and blue lighting. His casual white t-shirt contrasts sharply with the dark background, making his animated posture and tattoos stand out.
Ashanti Thomas
The photograph displays a male performer, up close, as he looks off to the side. He wears a white t-shirt that highlights his tattooed arms. The background is a soft blur of red lighting, focusing attention on his contemplative expression.
Ashanti Thomas

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