Fall Fest: delayed gratification

Although students were left waiting at this Friday's Fall Fest, the leaves failed to change colors.

Everything seemed to be running smoothly as each entertainer belted out their required line, "Make some f***ing noise!" The audience dutifully obeyed each time, making UB's Baird Point a lively mix of cheering, hip-hop, dancehall and R&B until it was realized that Cam'Ron would be fashionably late.

The festival kicked off with a short set by rap duo the Clipse, who rallied a growing audience while a massive line of patient concertgoers formed outside the gates. The band showcased old familiar songs as well as "Mr. Me Too," the new single off their upcoming album Hell Hath No Fury.

Hip-hop and R&B performer Kelis, also the sole female performer, entertained the crowd with her two hits, "Milkshake" and "I'm Bossy." Although her songs are catchy and her voice is unique, her live performance left something to be desired.

After Kelis' act, the audience was left to stare at their shoes. Hip-hop recording artist Cam'Ron was next in line to perform, but went mysteriously MIA.

The resident DJ tried to hype up the crowd, but phrases such as "Where's my alcoholics?" and "Who's here to see Sean Paul?" began to lose their effect after the 20th time.

"The wait before Sean Paul was ridiculous," said Jackie Kerner, a senior psychology major. "I began to lose interest."

Eventually, Sean Paul took the stage as headliner with a painfully long set. Despite the late start and boos from the crowd, the six-time platinum reggae sensation was true to form. He loyally dedicated songs "to the ladies" and gyrated through many of his dance hits like "Gimme the Light" and "Baby Boy."

Backed up by four dancers, a band, DJ and accompanying singers, Sean Paul fought his way through an extra-long set to become the favorite of the night.

"His performance was entertaining, and the crowd loved it," said senior psychology major Elizabeth Holloway, "but he seemed exhausted towards the end, and lost his momentum a bit when he sat down to perform a slow song."

Cam'Ron performed for a much smaller audience than his predecessor. Accompanied by an entourage of unknowns, Cam'Ron rapped through songs on his newest release Killa Season, as well as a few songs from previous albums. The remaining audience, albeit small, seemed satisfied with the show.

Fall Fest 2006 wrapped up with an impressive fireworks show that wowed the lingering crowd.