The Daily Targum

Media Credit: Onnie Koski/Senior Photographer Lead singer of Phantom Planet, Alexander Greenwald, played to hundreds of students at Saturday's Springfest on Livingston campus.

Heavy rains did not stop University students from attending Springfest - Livingston College's annual end of the year carnival and concert.

This year's bands included The Ataris, Phantom Planet, Big City Rock, and Dreading the Seasons.

The day included free food, giveaways and carnival games, such as a kissing booth, boxing ring, gladiator fighting and a sports challenge.

However, the games weren't only for the students.

At one point during Phantom Planet's performance, lead singer Alexander Greenwald ran off the stage, seemingly determined to play in the gladiator game.

After walking through the crowd, he jumped back onstage and told the crowd he wasn't allowed because he was wearing shoes.

The Ataris took the stage after 5 p.m. and played 12 songs from its previous albums as well as a few from their coming album, to be released in July.

This was the band's first performance since Oct. 2004 and first show with a seven-piece line-up.

"It's like band practice with The Ataris tonight," said lead singer, Kristopher Roe. "Because, like I said, it's been a while."

Roe thanked the audience for being so kind while they were performing.

"Playing colleges it's always a good opportunity to bring your music to people that sometimes wouldn't often get the chance to hear it," Roe said.

"Playing colleges has always been very beneficial to our band and I think we've gained a lot of fans by that. Rutgers is no exception. It's quite an honor to play here."

Big City Rock took the stage around 4 p.m. with lead singer Nate Bott saying to the audience, "Are you ready to rock, because this is Big City Rock!"

"I like this because in spite of the weather we can come together and blow up bouncy things and jump on them," Bott said.

Big City Rock played an eight-song set including selections from its debut album as well as Bon Jovi's "Shot Through the Heart."

Big City Rock has been opening the past few days for Phantom Planet.

"I love it. It's good just to turn on people you normally wouldn't," Bott said. "I had a great time."

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