Parents and students playing water volleyball, laughing at comedians and dancing to classic rock ’n’ roll tunes were among some of the sights witnessed throughout the ice-free Parents Weekend.
The open swim at the Aquatic Center rescued parents and students from the rain Saturday and allowed them to get a taste of a summer activity.
“I think the open swim was successful. We had a good turnout and it seemed that the parents and students enjoyed themselves,” said Kelly Boyd, a lifeguard at the Aquatic Center. “It gave parents another option and something different to do.”
If swimming wasn’t on the agenda for the night, parents made a short walk across campus to Glidden Hall for a rare chance to see visiting faculty member and pianist Dorian Leljak from Novi Sad, Serbia. Leljak has won several international competition and prizes for his talent in playing the piano.
“There was much anticipation for Leljak’s performance because his talent,” said Daniel Mullins, stage manager the recital. “We printed a lot of these flyers out and they are gone, which shows there was a great turnout.”
Leljak played with intense emotion that was felt by the audience and gave a new appreciation for classical music. After the performance, audience members walked away with raving reviews.
“Truthfully, I didn’t have a favorite part because unlike a rock or pop concert, it’s a show where you go to listen, think and imagine,” said Lexi Lang, a junior studying psychology. “The pieces were played beautifully and it was a wonderful performance to watch.”
For the parents and students who are dance fanatics and enjoy rock ‘n’ roll, the classic rock band Backwords played the night away with classic favorites. The music kept the crowd on the dance floor and mingling with other parents.
“We kept the crowd dancing and singing all night long with rock n roll and soul favorites,” said Lou Harvath. “The turnout was great and we appreciate everyone coming out for the support.”
The band’s performance was part of the Annual Tet Party and fundraiser for the Athens Area Vietnam Vets Scholarship Fund. The $350 raised will go to a recipient of the scholarship.
The weekly stand-up show Athens Open Mic kept parents and students alike laughing all evening at The Front Room.
“We came for Parents Weekend because we think it is important to see what our daughter is involved in and the environment she goes to school at,” said Shelly Fox, a mother visiting from Alabama. “We wanted a good laugh and to just enjoy ourselves.”
kh845809@ohiou.edu
