There is nothing like some good music to put you on your feet, dance, sing-a-long and better your mood. The EMU has been putting on live music and concert shows for 51 years… yes, you read that right! 
What once started as the Willamette Valley Music Festival transpired into a student-run, live music program now known as the University of Oregon Concerts and Music. Not only are these showcases an absurd amount of fun but, they are FREE and open to all students.
We interviewed Jazari Salcedo, the current chair of the Music and Concerts Team, to hear about her personal experiences with the program. From as young as eight, her love for music was evident. She credits her older sisters and her mom for being her biggest influences, dragging her to concerts when she was young and constantly blasting and dancing to music in their family home. It wasn’t until she was a freshman at the University of Oregon, where she realized she could turn her love for music and concerts into a career.
Jazari thrives off of the electricity that comes with music filling a room. Her favorite thing about these events is watching the environment light up with students laughing, dancing and singing with each other. She is grateful that she can provide college students with these experiences and memories at absolutely no cost, crediting it as one of the most rewarding feelings ever.
“If you’re reading this and you’ve never gone to our events, YOU ARE MISSING OUT BIG TIME. The artists that we bring are truly up and coming. These people have amazing voices, music and creative visions and it’s so important to show support now because one day you might be buying a ticket to their world tour, look back and say dang, I should have gone to that event.”
Even amidst COVID-19, this program has found a way to function with full safety precautions, allowing only 20 people to attend, enforcing six feet social distancing guidelines and strict cleaning protocols. If you aren’t comfortable going to in-person events, the music is accessible to anyone through Facebook and Instagram lives.
Feeling brave? Look into performing your favorite song, dance or instrument! Any student can apply for one of the shows! Just look at their Facebook page or follow the link below!