Big Blue Bash kicks off Homecoming Weekend

Loud Luxury and Melissa Tumlos perform

JESSICA MILLS / ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR / THE USD VISTA

During last Friday, Oct. 14, students gathered in Paseo de Colachis to sing, dance and celebrate the Torero Program Board’s (TPB) homecoming event: the Big Blue Bash. This year, USD senior Melissa Joy Tumlos (she/they) opened for musical duo Loud Luxury.

On Oct. 11, TPB announced the much anticipated headliner for the event: Loud Luxury, a Canadian music production and DJ duo, consisting of artists Andrew Fedyk and Joe Depace. They’re most known for their 2018 hit song “Body,” which has been listened to over 957 million times on Spotify. 

USD junior Maddie Stevens spent the night dancing and singing alongside friends. 

“I only know one song,” Stevens said. “It’s called ‘Body,’ but regardless, I’m so excited for [Loud Luxury’s] performance.”

For some students, not knowing many of Loud Luxury’s songs was not an issue – the duo is known for remixing popular songs – so many were able to sing along.

USD junior Mia Griffiths is a part of the USD women’s swimteam and listens to Loud Luxury at practice frequently. 

“We  play them a lot at practice,” Griffiths said. “It’s a lot of good, upbeat music we dance to.”  

For USD senior Maddy Domingo, the duo’s  stage presence  impacted her enjoyment. 

“I loved the stage  presence of the singers, Domingo said. “Jumping up and down, throwing gear out into the crowd  – I thought they were really engaging  and it was really cool for students to get that energy and vibe on campus.” Tumlos’ appearance was announced on TPB’s Instagram on Oct. 13, leaving many, including Tumlos, anticipating Friday night. She only had a few days to put together a setlist, prepare and practice. 

“It was stressful, but I do really enjoy doing things like this,” Tumlos said. “I enjoy being sucked into the music and performance.” 

Prior to the show, Tumlos was adorned with glittering makeup, completed pre-performance rituals to increase their energy and had an overall positive outlook. 

“After running through the sound check I’m pretty confident, and I’m just hoping to have fun,” Tumlos said. “Anything that pumps up my energy, like doing jumping jacks and hyping myself and others up, are usually a part of my pre-performance rituals.”

Paying tribute to musical artist Olivia Rodrigo, Tumlos sang the crowd-favorite “deja vu.” From waving cell phone flashlights to handholding, students joined her performance, with many even commenting that Tumlos’ curled hair and high-heeled boots reminded them of Rodrigo herself. 

Along with other students, Tumlos sent in numerous singing videos to TPB, which were then reviewed as a team. 

Tumlos closed their set with the popular song “Titanium” by David Guetta ft. Sia. Students sang along, danced and matched Tumlos’ pumped-up energy. 

Overall, students enjoyed both Tumlos’ and Loud Luxury’s performances, leading to a promising start for USD’s Homecoming Weekend.