All Together Now: Yaargh!

GAMBIER, Ohio (February 2, 2004) February can be cold and slushy, but Kenyon has the antidote. This Saturday, February 7, students will don their most stunning formal or semiformal attire and dance the night away at Philander's Phebruary Phling, an annual party-to-end-all-parties and sure-fire cure for the winter doldrums. The just-revealed theme of this year's Phling--pirates--is guaranteed to rouse those who are becalmed by the cold.

Phling, which is named (and spelled) in honor of Kenyon's founding father, Philander Chase, always includes plenty of live music, along with assorted entertainments tied to the theme. The main musical act this year is Jady Kurrent, a dance band that offers up pretty much everything--top-40, pop, MTV, phat hip hop, rock 'n' roll. Jady Kurrent, which will perform in Peirce Great Hall, keeps the energy going with a mix of hits, exciting choreography, and new high-tech wireless equipment. Upper and Lower Dempsey halls, meanwhile, will host music by several on-campus groups, notably Potato Famine and Pizza, with student DJs providing additional music.

In keeping with the theme, students will be able to get a tattoo, arm-wrestle the pitiless George "Pirate King" Barbuto (a.k.a. the dean of residential life), have their fortune told, hunt for treasure, win vast sums of loot playing poker, or plight their troth in the "ball-and-chain" chapel. A roving photographer captures the fun, with the photos available for later purchase.

Phling weekend also includes Phriday Phling, featuring campus a cappella groups and Karaoke performances along with great food and mocktails.

Student revelers are joined by volunteers from the faculty and staff, who sign up to run the various games, check coats, and dispense food and beverages.