With all the debate surrounding Movin’ On 2011, there was certainly going to be an interesting evening in store. There were those who were pessimistic about the band selections, and those who feared the weather would be the deciding factor in the success or failure of the concert, but for those in attendance, it was a pretty awesome night. So who, if anyone, showed up at the field across from the BJC?

Despite all of the talk and poor weather, Penn Staters didn’t disappoint. In fact, they showed up in droves as the night went on and the music got people moving.

The rain, which was a persistent threat all day, only slightly hindered the crowd’s excitement. For the thousands who braved through it and packed against the stage fence, there was nothing more exhilarating than Lupe Fiasco’s fan-favorite “Superstar.” O.A.R. was the headliner of the night, but the crowd reached its peak around 8 pm in anticipation of Lupe’s performance.

Movin’ On, which began around 4 pmand went till just past 11pm, began with the Battle of the Bands finalists and led into the featured guest performances. Two stages were set up and the bands alternated between a main stage and a side stage to ensure that there was always a band playing while another one was setting up. While the first featured band, Mates of State, played in the heaviest rain of the night, there was still a strong showing, mainly from the indie crowd they typically attract. Who knows, maybe those would have been the only ones there anyway. Next was the country group Little Big Town, who garnered strong support from their audience and noted the amazing feeling of finishing classes, perhaps as a way to connect to the students who wandered over to the field.

Perhaps the cause for the disappointment in band selection, which was the diversity of music genres between the four headline bands, brought out a diversity of fans, which represented the feel of the band. Four different crowds of people packed the wet field, but they were all Penn Staters and they all enjoyed their music. Even if everyone wasn’t thrilled with the bands, it was tough not to be a part of the excitement that a huge outdoor college concert can have, even if it rains.