Bearstock returns to Cruz Plaza Saturday at 1 p.m., and QuadWorks advisor Adrienne Latham says this year’s six-and-a-half-hour event—headlined by B.o.B— will feel “different.”
In past years, QuadWorks brought in up-and-coming acts like Smino in 2022 and Doechii in 2023. This year, Latham says the decision to feature rapper B.o.B and pop band Hot Chelle Rae comes from the trend towards “nostalgia.”
“I think we’ll see a pretty big crowd. You’re competing here with St. Patrick’s Day this weekend and all of that. I think we’ll have a pretty big turnout, though, despite the big holiday,” Latham said.
Latham added she can picture a new future for Bearstock after this year’s throwback lineup. While historically the focus was placed on younger artists, she sees B.o.B and Hot Chelle Rae as a catalyst for a pivot towards established and recognizable headliners.
Trinity Scales '27, Kosher Pickle and MothaFunka will open the event and will pass the stage to Hot Chelle Rae at 5 p.m. before B.o.B closes out the night.
Among the food truck options on Cruz tomorrow, there will be Tex-Mex, hibachi and barbecue options. Bonnie’s Cookies will also sell dessert options at Bearstock. The concert and all food vendors are free for all students and guests, and comfort-color Bearstock T-shirts with this year’s beach-themed event can be purchased for $5.
“We’re pretty close to selling out t-shirts, actually, so people are enjoying the shirts,” Latham said of the merchandise that has been sold in the Connell Student Center since Monday.
For those who miss out on the Bearstock merchandise, Latham said there is a chance to win a Mercer-themed Owala water bottle for students who attend all three events in the Come Out to Cruz initiative. To be eligible, the students must be among the first 50 guests at Bearstock.
Attendees who are 21 or older may also purchase beer from Fall Line Brewing Company.
To prepare for the event, MerPo announced all cars must be moved from the Stetson Hall lot by 8 p.m. Friday.
Nathaniel Jordan '29 intends to major in Journalism at Mercer and hopes to work as an investigative journalist. His hobbies include poetry, photography and home cooking, and you can probably find him around Macon shopping or walking through local parks with his wife and son.
