The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee wants to celebrate the new academic year in a big way with Pantherfest, a free festival for students and staff which will climax with performances by Talib Kweli and O.A.R. at the Marcus Amphitheater.

On Friday, Sept. 7, Pantherfest will start at 5 p.m. and will last until 12:30 a.m. The Student Association (SA), UWM Union, UW Credit Union, Student and Academic Affairs are the big sponsors of the event.

The pre-concert activities include rock wall climbing, an appearance by the UWM basketball team, and the opportunity to get henna tattoos and palm readings. Victor E. Panther will be sporting his new look. Isla Adentro, a Latin jazz band, will provide musical entertainment before the main acts.

A raffle for free tuition and books can be won for students who stay the entire evening. There is also free admission to Indian Summer Festival, which is also occurring on the Summerfest grounds.

Scott Gore, the director of the Union, hopes this festival will begin a new campus tradition. “We want to involve everyone on campus; not just having the freshmen Welcome Week,” Gore said.

SA President Robert Grover expresses pride in being a part of Pantherfest. “SA is really excited about this event,” Grover said.

Tickets are free for students, UWM staff and facility, and UWM alumni. There is a $15 charge for students from surrounding schools and a $25 charge for the general public.
Shuttle buses will start running at 4:15 p.m. with stops at the Union, Sandburg Hall and Kenilworth Square until the end of the event. There is also paid parking at the Summerfest grounds.

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