’80s themed festivities were held at The Bucket Thursday night on campus
The 1980s were a time of big hair, bright colors, manly action movies and “girls who just wanted to have fun.”
’80s local cover band Max Headroom performed at The Bucket. The group pllayed classic songs from the era while dressed in ’80s attire.
Michael Jackson was at his prime and girls swooned over the likes of Patrick Swayze in “Dirty Dancing” and Kevin Bacon in “Footloose.” “Cheers” reigned over the airwaves; MTV dominated a new niche: It made the ‘80s era a fun and unique time.
Students had the chance to relive the ‘80s Thursday night at The Bucket as USU Productions treated students to Throwback Thursday ‘80s Night, featuring live music from local 80s cover band Max Headroom and a Michael Jackson dance competition.
“I saw Max Headroom at a Halloween event and I thought they were cool,” said Karmen Geffken, a USU Productions music scene coordinator.
Geffken said DJ Berk was at the event: She recognized him from a previous karaoke function held by the USU on campus. This inspired the idea to have a ‘80s-themed event.
Geffken said USU Productions was looking to have more events at The Bucket and this idea filled that need.
“I loved it; when Karmen told me, I was so down,” said Sona Soghomonian a USU Productions music scene coordinator. “We have to do it, it would be so awesome.”
Soghomonian said the idea was a major hit when presented to the USU Productions crew.
“The ‘80s were great; it was the greatest time for music,” said Geffken. “The ‘70s were about peace and love and the ‘80s is, ‘like, let’s dance.’ ”
A costume contest was held and participants were entered into a raffle to win the grand prize: two tickets to Six Flags Magic Mountain. Other winners received movie tickets, ‘80s inspired shirts, movies, CDs and candy.
The Bucket offered attendees food and drink specials. The first 20 attendees received a food voucher for any purchase made at The Bucket, said Geffken.
Admission was $2 and free for any student who dressed in 80s attire. All proceeds benefit future USU Productions events.
Soghomonian said if the event is a success, they will do it again.
The USU Productions music scene coordinators said the event looked like a blast from the past, with lots of bright neon colors. “We will have space invader cutouts and I heart the 80s along the walls,” the coordinators said.
Erica Herrejon is a senior and a coordinator for Vintage Days.
“It’s exciting to see students here, talking, laughing, taking pictures and just enjoying themselves, said Herrejon. “Students are always busy with school; it’s nice for them to attend events like this to let loose and have fun.”
“80s night was pretty cool. I’m a fan of ‘80s music, and I got to meet some pretty cool people, said Sergio Vera, a junior majoring in history. “There could have been more people, but the people that were here are having a good time.”
Attendees were greeted at the front table by USU Productions staff dressed in ‘80s apparel and handing out ‘80s-inspired swag including, ‘80s-inscribed sunglasses, buttons, glow sticks and raffle tickets.
Along the walls hung invader alien paper cutouts, along with cassette and boom box décor. ‘80s video game and console screenshots were displayed on a T.V. screen just above the front entrance.
Students took photos with Michael Jackson and Patrick Swayze holding Jennifer Grey in front of an “I heart the 80s” background. Props were available for further fun.