Preview: Mason Week 2013

Mason Week includes events celebrating the university and the end of another academic year. The week concludes with Mason Day featuring musical performances and carnival activities (photo by Dakota Cunningham).

To conclude the month of April, and Mason’s month of “weeks,” George Mason University celebrates its 48^th annual Mason Week from now until April 27 with many activities and events to celebrate Patriot Pride.

On April 23, rapper Kendrick Lamar will be at Mason as part of the annual Spring Concert. Known for his musical hits such as “Poetic Justice” and “A.D.H.D.,” Lamar will perform at the Patriot Center. Sponsored by the Patriot Activities Council, This concert still has some general seating tickets available for students for $10. Stop by the Office of Student Involvement to purchase your ticket.

If Kendrick Lamar isn’t your cup of tea, Mason will be bringing two other performers to campus. The Chad Hollister band will be performing on Thursday at 6 p.m. in the Johnson Center atrium. With roots in Burlington, Vermont, the band has opened for the likes of Bob Dylan, Phish, Paul Simon and Tom Petty. Having had four studio albums released, the band’s goal is to get audiences up and dancing to their upbeat, rhythmic sound.

Following Chad Hollister’s performance in the JC atrium, rush over to the Bistro for a comedic performance by New Jersey-based comedian Scott Schendlinger. If you’re into smart and witty comedy, check out his performance.

Need a way to do some stress relieving? On Wednesday, Mason will be offering  rides on a zip line located in the Finley quad.  If you’re in class, have no fear! The zip line will be available from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. that day.

Aside from all the aforementioned events, the biggest event is Mason Day on April 26. Aside from the usual carnival rides, food and activities, this year’s Mason Day will start with the university inauguration of President Ãngel Cabrera.

After completing most of his first full year as Mason’s sixth president, Cabrera will be inaugurated in the Patriot Center at 10 a.m. The event will include former university presidents Alan Merten and George Johnson, plus speakers from around the state of Virginia who will also be sharing their own interpretation of the Mason Idea.

At the inauguration, Cabrera will reveal his full vision for the university and how he plans on continuing the growth of Mason. Students who attend the event will be provided with a free lunch outdoors in Lot K. Furthermore, students who attend the event will be granted special access to Mason Day two hours before the rest of the Mason community is allowed in.

Student music and dance performances at Mason Day will start at 2:30 p.m. The main act, however, starts at 7 p.m. with singer-songwriter Andy Grammer. Known for his singles, “Fine by Me” and “Keep Your Head Up,” Grammer is the first male pop star since John Mayer to have reached the Top 10 Adult Pop Radio charts in 2002. The band Parachute will be his opening act beginning at 6 p.m.

A final conclusion to Mason Week is The BIG Event sponsored by Student Government and the LEAD office. In its first year, The Big Event will bring Mason students, faculty and staff together to give back to the Fairfax community. Registrants will be spread out through Fairfax by spending their time at a local elementary school, helping the homeless and hungry at the Lamb Center or spending time with members at the Sunrise Senior Living Center.

To celebrate the end of another school year, Mason Week has something for everyone. 

(Connect2Mason Mason Day 2012 recap)