To the Barnard and Columbia undergraduate community,
As a club, the Bacchanal Student Committee is dedicated to providing the best music and concert experience for our community. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we carried on our mission of providing Barnard and Columbia undergrads with a fun and engaging way to connect by transitioning our 2021 show to an online format. This year—thanks to the continuing positive results from the University Health compact, including a recent move to the “green zone” under Columbia’s COVID-19 monitoring plan—we are thrilled to announce that Bacchanal will be taking place in person this year on April 2nd. After a two year hiatus of our live Spring Concert, we could not be more excited to be back dancing and celebrating with you all in person again.
As you may have seen, this year Bacchanal will be a nighttime event at The Bowery Presents: Terminal 5. The Bacchanal Executive Board has worked throughout the summer and fall semesters rearranging the concert structure, obtaining cost estimates, and more, in order to create a cohesive model for the day of show. The choice to take the concert off-campus has been a point of conversation for many generations of the Bacchanal Executive Board, as other NYC based schools such as NYU, Parsons, and FIT use similar off-campus models for their programming.
Moving to Terminal 5 has given us the opportunity to address much of the student feedback we have received in previous years in order to enhance the quality of the show. Below are some logistics that have been considered:
- Transforming Low Plaza into a concert space was a costly venture that necessitated many logistical hurdles for the University. By moving to Terminal 5—which is already a concert space and significantly cheaper to rent—Bacchanal can focus more on finding an artist and running the show as seamlessly as possible.
To ease the transition from campus to Terminal 5, we are providing the following:
- Similarly to previous years, we will release 3,000 tickets. Further details will be announced closer to the event.
- A transportation option is being coordinated with CCSC and Campus officials. We will also provide a “How to Get to T5” infographic with alternative routes.
- Terminal 5 is a wheelchair accessible venue. Columbia Disability Services and Barnard CARDS will provide accessible transportation to and from the venue upon request. Students who need accessible transportation or other disability accommodations to attend Bacchanal should contact Columbia Disability Services or Barnard CARDS at least 10 days in advance of the event. We are linking the request form for students here.
In addition, we recognize the importance of maintaining a spirit of community and togetherness on-campus, and are still working through the details in order to provide daytime programming in collaboration with other student music groups. We envision a collaborative event showcasing student performances within a wide range of genres, where everyone will be able to support and listen to the music produced by your friends and fellow peers!
The executive board and general body members of the Bacchanal Student Committee are committed to working alongside you to create a music experience that everyone can enjoy. Thank you all and let’s Bacchus!
With love,
The Bacchanal Student Committee