AMP Events

The concerts here are great. We really are very lucky to have an organization like AMP (Alma Mater Productions). Just last weekend GIRL TALK played on campus. The tickets sold out in less than two days and so I devastatingly did not get to go, but, I was told it was absolutely AMAZING. Some of the more regular events AMP puts on are “Fridays at Five” where local bands from W&M, or from the Williamsburg area, perform on the terrace (a quazi patio next to the Sadler Center). “Fridays at Five” are free and open to anyone and everyone! You can always hear the music in the Sunken Garden and it’s a great way to relax and start the weekend. Here is a link to the AMP homepage if you want to check out all the new activities coming up: http://web.wm.edu/amp/.

My favorite aspect of AMP is the weekly “Homebrew” event that occurs in Lodge 1 (a venue in our student center). I love hearing the different talents of my friends. Mostly it’s W&M student bands that play, but occasionally a poet, dancer, or solo singer will perform. I’ve accidentally stumbled on some really great talent while attending. There is a Quizno’s right next to Lodge 1 so a lot of students will listen to the performances while eating dinner. “Homebrew” is just another example of the fun one can have on our campus and of the diverse talents found in the W&M community!

The flyer used for the Cool Kids and Ting Ting's concert homecoming weekend in the Lake Matoka Amplitheater.

I personally love the outdoors. That is why my number one concert venue of AMP’s is the Lake Matoaka Amphitheater. I currently live in the Ludwell Apartments (on-campus housing that really is not on-campus) and the closest building to my apartment is the Lake Matoaka Amphitheater. When people say the stone stage is right next to the water, they mean it. It was made to fit into the scenery and when AMP concerts and movies take place at night you can see the lake glistening as a backdrop. I know I’m beginning to sound very corny, but it truly is picturesque. Last semester the “Ting Ting’s” came with the “Cool Kids” and the concert was outside on Lake Matoaka. The sound was amazing and it was really fun to go to a concert in the middle of the woods. A great way to start off homecoming weekend!

Something that really got me excited about my start at W&M was attending my first “Screen on the Green” event in the Sunken Garden. I don’t remember if it was during orientation, or right after, but I do remember that noone had work or activities going on and it was a great time of year to watch a movie outside under the stars. We watched two movies as everyone laid in the grass in the Sunken Gardens and ate popcorn. Perfect.

WHEN you finally arrive here in the middle of August, you’ll be able to participate in the fantastic AMP events too. Seriously, they are amazing…  also, when you come for an admitted student event (of course you want to) AMP will have a table set up so you can learn more about what they do and how much time and effort the students put into each production/show. The admitted student events are: April 6th, 10th, 13th, 17th, 18th, and 20th! See you soon! 😉

– Brynn Koeppen ’11