Free food, jazz music and socializing with friends were just some highlights from the Jazz and Ribs event hosted by the Ohio Union Activities Board last night at the Union.
Students gathered in the Ohio Union Performance Hall to feast on a long buffet of ribs and beverages while listening to the Urban Jazz Coalition.
Will Burnard, a fourth-year in microbiology and special events coordinator for OUAB, said that they wanted to plan a fun spring event that wouldn’t be overly expensive but still bring students together.
“We really wanted to incorporate jazz music in this event,” Burnard said. “Most times, you’ll see jazz festivals paired up with barbeque events. So that was our inspiration.”
Burnard said an added benefit is that the event is one of the least expensive events that OUAB has sponsored all year.
“If I had to estimate, the cost would probably be around $10 per person or a little less,” Burnard said. “That’s a pretty cost effective way to have a good time with friends.”
The ribs and music were set up inside the main hall, but the courtyard was open as well.
“We initially were going to have the event outside, but because of the rain earlier, we couldn’t set up a stage out there,” Burnard said. “Now that it’s so nice out, it’s great to see people listening to the music, bringing their food outside and enjoying the good weather.”
The OUAB promoted the event by making a Facebook group and inviting all members’ friends as well as putting up fliers around campus.
Nick Pangio, a third-year in sport and leisure studies, heard about the event through a friend who noticed it on the OUAB calendar.
Burnard said that the event committee had selected the Urban Jazz Coalition based on a recommendation by one of the OUAB members.
The Urban Jazz Coalition has been together for five years and performs at venues all across Columbus. The seven-member group includes two guitars, a bass, percussion, piano, drums and a saxophone.
Duane Bridges, who manages sales and merchandise for the group, said that it isn’t uncommon for them to do an event like this. They also perform at the Columbus Ribfest.
“I am really pleased with the music. It’s really upbeat,” Burnard said.
Josiah Knowles, a second-year in business, agrees. He attended the event after seeing it posted on the OUAB website.
“I’m a big fan of jazz music, but it doesn’t help to have free ribs here,” Knowles said. The food for the event was supplied by the Union Catering Service.
Burnard expected attendees would include a full range of ages.
“We all invited our friends, so it should be a good mix of freshman through seniors,” Burnard said.
Impressed with the crowd, Burnard said that the real indicator for success at this event will be how fast the food runs out.
