The familiar rustle of campus nightlife gave way to something new this past Friday. The sounds of rock, indie and metal music filled the Owen F. Sellers Music Amphitheater as local musicians gathered for the charity concert Amps Not Arms.
Amps Not Arms was organized by The Music Industry Connection (TMIC), a student-run organization that plans concerts and networking events for local musicians and Florida State’s College of Music. The concert directed 100% of its generated profits to supporting victims of gun violence.
The concert featured an eclectic lineup of nine artist groups, ranging from emerging local talents to FSU College of Music students and ensembles. The diverse musical offerings not only entertained students but also cultivated a scene of unity. Attendees gathered as both fans of local music and advocates for a cause that has touched many lives.
The fact that FSU’s campus itself has experienced gun violence twice in the past eleven years has inspired a renewed commitment among students, faculty and the broader Tallahassee community to support victims of gun violence and their families
“I think the charity was the main reason why we wanted to join the lineup,” Omar Castillo, a local musician with Not Really and The Paul Anderson Sextet, said. “I’m going to do my part as much as I can.”
Gun violence remains a pressing issue not only locally but nationwide. This community-driven event served as a visual of how people can come together around a shared cause and respond with both compassion and connection.
“Especially after the tragedy earlier this year, I think raising awareness around gun violence and raising money to relieve those who have been personally affected by it is a great thing,” Aidan Suarez, a drummer for the local come-up Weather Boys, said. “I think it can only serve to help FSU’s community.”
Beyond an emotional impact, the concert also showcased the growing presence of Tallahassee’s music scene. TMIC took the lead in coordinating, booking performers and running the show, while members of the College of Music provided additional resources, such as performers and a beautiful venue.
“People especially come together for music,” Gillespie Linford, bassist for the band Banquet, said. “Music is a really good thing to bring people together.”
By combining music with charity, Amps Not Arms successfully highlighted how campus organizations can use both their platforms and skills to positively aid their community.
By featuring a group of altruistic musicians and volunteers, this event established the impact of unity and shared purpose. Tallahassee’s music scene has evolved to include more initiatives like Amps Not Arms, which successfully demonstrated the power of Tallahassee’s community to support each other, even through hardship.
By highlighting a surplus of musical talent and the strong community from Tallahassee’s local music scene, Amps Not Arms stood as a testament of FSU’s resiliency in the face of adversity.
“I think it’s nice to have this type of community of people around you, like you can really come together,” Jacob Macwan, guitarist for Banquet, said. “Especially with these TMIC shows recently, it’s a very good crowd.”
Chloe Harbin is a photographer for the FSView & Florida Flambeau, the student-run, independent online news service for the FSU community. Email our staff at contact@fsview.com.
This article originally appeared on FSU News: Florida State University’s music scene turns amps into action
Reporting by Chloe Harbin, Photographer / FSU News
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