Otterlands was back this year and bigger than ever, delivering half a day’s worth of entertainment on April 21 for the students of California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and the surrounding Monterey Bay area.
The concert, hosted yearly by Associated Students (AS), sold out all 800 tickets. The Otter Student Union (OSU) Ballroom was packed and attendees were energetic and seemed ready for a night full of nonstop fun.
Battle of the DJ’s winner, DJ Sardine, opened up the concert by DJing with a variety of songs that seemed to get the crowd psyched for the night to come.
Flaco el Jandro, the supporting act, delivered a stunning performance with not only his blend of rock and cumbia but through his charming personality as well.
Halfway through his set, Pak Joko made an appearance on stage that seemed to take the audience completely by surprise. Both Flaco el Jandro and Pak Joko performed one song together that made for one of the night’s most iconic moments.
The night ended with Bay Area’s own P-Lo, who sent the audience into a craze that didn’t stop until he left the stage. P-Lo performed all of his hit songs and ended his set by stating the importance of mental health and cutting out negative influences in life.
Before the main concert, attendees were able to experience Otterlands Earth Day Festival, a pre-festival hosted by Otter Media in partnership with AS, the Otter Cross Cultural Center and the OSU meant to celebrate the earth through music and fun.
Local student artists and bands were brought out to bring the vision to life. Attendees interested in listening to chill and calm music got to experience soothing music from Nicole Bonello, luv_ela, Henry Bensco, mthrmercury, Roxy and Tybaandz.
Those feeling a bit more lively had a chance to also listen to headbanging and hype music from Akif, Pak Joko, Headsick, The Rough Cut Rubies, Cum Riot, The WET Possums, Tortured Habits and Odder.
Attendees hungry for a quick bite during the music and activities were able to purchase food from local vendors Ivan’s Baked Potatoes and Pana.
Sustainable crafts and showcasings from Greek Life along with other various CSUMB organizations were present.
Zachary Simmions, AS Programs and Communications Coordinator, believed the festival was a success and was ecstatic about the concert selling out, which made him hopeful about the future of Otterlands.
“I hope we can bring this great day-long event that celebrates student artists and showcases a local artist back and bigger than ever next year.”
