SOJA to Headline FIT Homecoming Fest Oct. 24 in downtown Melbourne
Free Concert One of Many Exciting Events For Homecoming Week
MELBOURNE, FLA. — Street vendors, food, drink and music from national recording artist SOJA will mark Florida Institute of Technology’s 3rd annual FIT Homecoming Fest from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24 in downtown Melbourne.
The Florida Tech Alumni Association has joined forces with Mainstreet Partners to bring together this free community event, anchored by the unique sounds of the Washington, D.C.- based band that blends reggae, go-go, D.C. hardcore, Latin, rock and hip-hop into a sound all its own.
Originally formed by a group of friends in middle school, SOJA has recorded five albums – and sold 200,000 – while building a massive international fan base. The group has headlined shows in over 20 countries around the world, generated over three million Facebook fans, and 65 million YouTube views. It has toured with Dave Matthews Band, Incubus, 311 and appeared at major festivals, including Bonnaroo.
SOJA’s latest album, “Amid the Noise and Haste,” peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard reggae chart.
For band members, their music is about more than notes and melodies.
“I want to speak for people who don’t have microphones,” said lead singer and guitarist Jacob Hemphill, who writes the lyrics, chords and melodies of SOJA’s songs. “Our goal as a band is to stick up for the human race. We see the world and we try to make it better in the limited time we have here.”
Homecoming Fest is just one part of Florida Tech’s weeklong homecoming celebration, which offers something for everyone, from sporting events and a formal gala to a parade, art exhibits and a dance.
For example, Oct. 23 is the FIT Homecoming 5K Run/Walk presented by Meg O’Malley’s in downtown Melbourne. It starts at 6 p.m. and will be followed by a party at Meg O’Malley’s.
On Saturday, Oct. 25, the Homecoming Parade will march across the Florida Tech campus from 10-11 a.m., followed by a tailgate party. Then starting at 1 p.m., the Florida Tech Panthers play Mississippi College at Palm Bay High School’s Pirate Stadium.
Saturday from 6:30-10 p.m. is the Homecoming Awards Gala at the Clemente Center.
The event will showcase and honor alumni with a celebration including drinks, food, dancing and live music. Each college within Florida Tech will present their Outstanding Alumni Awards for 2014 and the Florida Tech Alumni Association will present the Jerome P. Keuper Distinguished Alumni Award. This year’s recipient is Ann Dunwoody, ’88 M.S., the U.S. Army’s first female four-star general.
“Homecoming 2014 promises to be our biggest and best ever,” said Bino Campanini, vice president of alumni affairs. “We are especially excited to have secured SOJA as our headline artist for FIT Homecoming Fest and expect once again to pack the streets of downtown Melbourne.”
For more information about all of these events, as well as links to event registration, photos from last year’s celebration and more, head to http://homecoming.fit.edu, contact the Alumni Association at (321) 674-7190, or email alumni@fit.edu.
