Though Harvard is known for its academic excellence, students have proven their talents span across disciplines. For one, there are many skilled student musical groups on campus, and each spring, they come to the stage at Harvard’s annual Battle for Yardfest. Yardfest is a concert hosted by Harvard’s College Events Board where student performers showcase their talents before the celebrity artist takes the stage. This year, 2000s pop sensation Natasha Bedingfield, known for her hits like “Unwritten” and “Pocketful of Sunshine,” will headline Yardfest. In preparation for Yardfest, CEB hosts the “Battle for Yardfest,” which determines who the student openers will be at the show. Students piled into Sanders Theatre on Feb. 29 for the event, eager to hear student performers audition for their place at Yardfest. With a total of ten acts, only three groups could emerge on top.
The energy in the room was electric as 162 attendees crowded around to hear their peers perform. The mixture of music genres was nothing short of eclectic. Groups would vie to be crowned victorious in one of three categories: the CEB Art and Entertainment’s Vote, the Judges’ Vote, or the Audience’s Vote. The winners were revealed just days after the concert: “Yard Bops” was chosen as the CEB’s Art and Entertainment Vote; “STRYK9” received the Judge’s Vote; and “Big Tuesday” earned the Audience Vote.
These groups were no strangers to the Battle for Yardfest stage. All three bands had previously competed in the competition, but had yet to earn bids to the show. Their undeniable perseverance and musical talent shone through their performances, laying the foundation for their eventual triumph.
Each group brought a distinct vibe and feel to the stage, performing a myriad of songs from different genres and time periods. “Yard Bops” performed a mash-up of Paramore’s “Ain’t It Fun” and “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder. “I don’t think I could pick a favorite artist, but I could list some of the musicians that inspire the music we make in the Yard Bops: Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind, and Fire, Gloria Gaynor, Cory Wong, Lawrence, and Couch,” explained Yard Bops member Matthew Chen ’26 in an interview with the Harvard Independent.
The recipients of the Audience Vote, “Big Tuesday,” performed two songs: “Animal” by Neon Trees and “Read My Mind” by the Killers. Milo Taylor ’25 from “Big Tuesday” opened up to the Independent about his nerves during the concert. “It’s always a bit nerve-wracking going on stage in front of a large crowd. Just trusting our preparation and staying positive helps,” Taylor said. “Also being on stage with the other four guys makes everything so much easier.” Camaraderie and practice are crucial aspects for these groups to maintain their composure and confidence when performing on stage. Even under the pressure of live performance, their tight-knit bond and preparation was evident, allowing both the bands and the audience members to have fun with the night.
The final group, “STRYK9,” performed two more obscure songs, “Cumdumpster” by Jack Off Jill and “Yes It’s Fucking Political” by Skunk Anansie. In between the two songs, the group also engaged in a “No Trump Chant,” an homage which originated from the band Green Day.
Sierra Stocker ’25 from “STRYK9” expressed confidence as she prepared to take the stage with her group, a crucial quality for embracing the creative risks in their performance. “I don’t really get stage fright. We felt pretty comfortable since it was only a six-minute set, and we’d rehearsed those songs many times before. Sometimes there are a bit of nerves just because we all have high expectations for ourselves, but hanging out backstage with bandmates helps turn that energy into excitement,” she said.
So, what can students expect from Yardfest this year? “Music that will make you want to dance,” Chen promised. “Expect a high-energy performance!”
And what about the possibility of cool costumes? “You’ll have to come watch to find out!” Taylor said.
Stocker from “STRYK9” promised the group outfits “will disappoint [their] parents.” “Alan Garber may want to wear earplugs once we get onstage,” she added.
With assurances like these, one can only imagine the energy that these three bands will bring to Yardfest this spring. As Harvard College makes its way to Tercentenary Theatre on April 6, there is no doubt that the performances of “Yard Bops,” “Big Tuesday,” and “STRYK9” will cause students to dance the night away.
Sidney Regelbrugge ’28 (sidneyregelbrugge@college.harvard.edu) is already preparing her Yardfest outfit.