The line of people in flower crowns and 2016 “boho” inspired outfits wrapped around the block hours before the doors opened at War Memorial Gym, everyone trying to be as close as possible to the Chainsmokers for the Campus Activity Board’s (CAB) annual Donaroo.
Halter tops, pashminas, cowboy boots and tiny sunglasses were everywhere, with students fully embracing the throwback Coachella aesthetic. Crochet tops, long skirts and western-style chain belts added to the look, turning the line itself into part of the event.
The excitement was palpable as people buzzed about what songs they were most excited to see performed. First-year politics major Janize Ocampo and first-year public health major Kindness Mares were most excited to see the Chainsmokers perform “Roses” and arrived early to secure a good spot close to the stage.
“I feel like everybody is just excited right now,” Ocampo said while waiting in line. For many students, events like Donaroo bring something extra to college life. “Especially since I’m an off-campus student, it just brings more fun into the college life,” she added.
There was a strong feeling of community, from the cohesion of outfits to people dancing with each other in groups in line. Sophomore public health major Aliya Dastgah said, “A lot of times it feels like in the University, everyone is so spread out. No one really gets to interact with each other, be involved, so then when they have events like this, everyone just like is so connected.” This is an important aspect of Donaroo as junior psychology major and CAB Marketing and Communications Director, Lillianna Gutierrez, noted “[Campus concerts] feel more intimate. They feel more catered to the student body. It’s meant to bring us together, bring students together with music. I think music connects people.”
Gutierrez emphasized that creating that kind of experience is what drives her work behind the scenes. “Being able to create an experience for the student body…that’s what makes me so passionate about my position,” she said. She explained that choosing the Chainsmokers as headliners was intentional, “It was important that we brought someone that can connect with the student body,” Gutierrez remarked. “Honestly, all that matters to me is that we bring people together and that people are having fun.” She also noted that events like Donaroo give students “a reason to stay” at USF and contribute immensely to the overall college experience.
The War Memorial Gym was transformed into a concert venue, with a station for Polaroid photos with an LED Donaroo sign, a 21+ area in Sobrato Center with wine and beer, banners of past Donaroo performances displayed on the side wall and a merch stand for the Chainsmokers. Banners featuring past performances from artists like Ty Dolla $ign, Jhené Aiko, Doechii and Wallows lined the wall, reminding everyone of the event’s history and scale.
The winner and runner-up of the CAB DJ competition, DJ Carrot and DJ Izzy each had an opening set for the Chainsmokers while there was a group of VIP students onstage behind them, dancing.
For DJ Carrot, the performance was a personal milestone. After being eliminated in the first round of the DJ competition last year, she returned determined to improve. Having DJed for two years, she approached this set as another chance to connect with the crowd and refine her set. DJ Carrot wanted people to have fun at her set, hoping everyone liked “at least one song.” Both DJs played modern and nostalgic hits–with DJ Izzy incorporating a lot of the Chainsmokers songs–and transitions that got the crowd hyped up for the headliners.
The crowd erupted in a roar when the Chainsmokers came in, shaking people’s hands in the front row and playing “Don’t Let Me Down,” the gym was thumping from people dancing and jumping. They played a mix of their classic hits like “Something Just Like This,” “Paris” and “Roses” as well as many songs they are featured on like “ALL THE TIME” with John Summit. They also remixed and were DJing popular songs of the 2014-2016 era mixing it in with EDM.
Toward the end of the show, Andrew Taggart of the Chainsmokers yelled to the crowd, “There’s good energy here. I like it, y’all are lucky to go here” which was met by cheers from the audience. They also poked fun at the fact that USF has not won a basketball championship since the 1950s, drawing laughter from the crowd. They closed out the show with one of their most popular songs, “Closer.” The crowd let out on the dance floor, screaming and singing along to the nostalgic hit.
Attendees left the show giggling and talking to each other about the show and experience of seeing the Chainsmokers live. Groups replayed their favorite songs, voices hoarse and not ready for the night to end. Donaroo left campus feeling louder, closer and more connected than usual.
