Through the combined efforts of Music Maker Productions and Student Association, the 2014 Old Main Music Festival will showcase the talents of The Neighbourhood, Eric Hutchinson and local Oxford band, The Red Thangs. The festival will be an event during Mississippi State University’s 29th Super Bulldog Weekend. MMP and SA formed committees to vote which artists would be best for the festival.
The Old Main Music Festival is an entertaining addition to the Super Bulldog Weekend activities.
Established over 50 years ago, MMP has brought in a number of artists for MSU’s enjoyment including Sugarland, Trey Songz and The Fray. Last Super Bulldog Weekend, Cage the Elephant headlined the music festival, and Rosco Bandana, Ty Brown and Pell performed as well. Free to all, this year’s festival will be held at the amphitheater and The Red Thangs will start the night at 7 p.m.
Emile Cravens, assistant director of student activities, said between the entertainment and the atmosphere, this year’s festival is sure to be a success.
“The festival is a really good opportunity to enjoy the spring weather and hear some high-caliber bands. I really like The Neighbourhood. Their first album was very well received. Eric Hutchinson is a very versatile singer and songwriter. Sometimes he performs alone, but this time he is bringing his full band,” she said. The Red Thangs came second in the MSU Battle of the Bands, so they must be good. The festival is free, outside, and right on campus. It is sure to be great.”
The Neighbourhood, headliner of the festival, is a California based five-man band. Formed in 2011, the group is known for its interesting blend of different genres. Their debut album, “I Love you,” led them to be fifth among the 2014 top modern rock/alternative rankings. Popular songs on the album include “Sweater Weather” and “Afraid.” 
Kim Theis, a senior MSU student, said although she has not heard of Eric Hutchinson or The Red Thangs, she is excited for the festival as a whole.
“Overall, The Neighborhood is a great band. I heard about them on Twitter and just checked them out on YouTube. They are definitely a catchy band,” Theis said. “This is my first Old Main Festival concert. I am looking forward to the atmosphere. We have not had a weekend outside since football season! I haven’t heard of the other two bands, but I am always looking forward to something new.”
Sarah Margaret Hewes, student director of Music Makers, said the festival adds a different aspect to Super Bulldog Weekend the whole community can appreciate.
“The festival takes a break from all the sports packed into Super Bulldog Weekend. The festival is the one free concert in the spring. It’s our way of giving back to the community. It gives great artists exposure and brings the Starkville and MSU community together,” she said. “Last year, we had 6,000 people at the festival. Live music has a unifying effect on people. At that moment, each person has this one thing in common. It is a powerful experience.”