April 29, 2009
From as far as Tehama Hall, a loud ruckus could be heard throughout the Chico State campus Wednesday, and it was not construction this time.
Outside the Bell Memorial Union, Chico State's Wild Oak Music Group presented "Car Smash."
For $1, a customer got to take three swings at a car with a sledge-hammer. For $5, the individual was able to spend 30 minutes crunching down on the old Buick that was donated by All Star Auto Recycling, said J.J. Knerr, promotions director for Wild Oak.
The car smashing was an effort for the Wild Oak music community to raise funds for its May 9 music festival, which will take place at four different venues in downtown Chico.
Cafe Coda, The Graduate, Lost on Main and the 1078 Gallery are the four venues hosting Chico Music Fest 2009, Knerr said. A variety of rock, reggae, hip-hop and folk music will be played at the four locations.
"I think it's for a good cause," Knerr said. "It's branding our name for the Chico State community. It's definitely a lucrative event."
By 1:30 p.m., Wild Oak coordinators recorded that 50 participants took the hammer to the metal, raising about $100 for the organization, Knerr said.
The amount of effort that students, as well as people walking by, put into the breakdown of the automobile was representative of Chico State music industry's efforts, said senior music industry major Grant Noblin.
"It symbolizes the hard work we've put in this group," Noblin said. "We'll carry that enthusiasm and passion into our professional lives."
In addition to benefiting music industry students, the event also acted as an outlet for students who are ready for the semester's end.
It was a big stress reliever for students who were looking for a mental, psychological release from their end-of the-semester stress, Noblin said.
"It's amazing," Noblin said. "It's beautiful therapy."
Annie Goodman can be reached at agoodman@theorion.com
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