Despite showers, FallFest brings an intense, energy-packed crowd

Chants of "Luda" were heard throughout the densely packed Mountainlair Green Monday night, as rapper Ludacris attracted one of the largest and most intense FallFest crowds in recent years.

Ludacris gave a high-energy show, performing old favorites like "Act A Fool" and new hits like "My Chick Bad," past midnight, making the crowd quick to forget the delay between sets.

Erin Carver, a senior psychology and child development major at West Virginia University, said Ludacris' performance exceeded her expectations.

"I'm a huge fan of Ludacris, mainly because he's been on the rap scene forever, and I've grown up listening to his music," Carver said. "He had a lot to live up to tonight, and he definitely didn't disappoint anyone here. He did an amazing job and kept the crowd going from start to finish."

Despite the intermittent rain, fellow headliner Maroon 5 promised a good time.

"I love the rain; it don't matter. I say bring that s--t on," said lead singer Adam Levine to pump up the crowd, opening with current hit single "Misery."

The band gave energy-packed performances with hits like "Harder To Breathe" and slowed the crowd down, making them sway side-to-side, lighters in hand, to slower songs like "She Will Be Loved."

George Magnone, a sophomore biochemistry student, was impressed by Maroon 5's set, which made him stop to appreciate opportunities like FallFest.

"FallFest is an awesome, free chance to see a variety of genres of live music, and it basically gives you one last summer break before you have to begin all the hard work that classes bring," he said. "It starts the year off right."

"American Idol" winner Kris Allen also performed, singing tracks off his latest self-titled album like "The Truth" and "Live Like Your Dying."

Junior exercise physiology major Brittany Streets experienced FallFest for the first time and came out specifically for Allen.

"I love Kris Allen, he has such a great style and I grew to love him while watching American Idol so it's great now to be able to go and see him in concert and on tour," Streets said.

Travis Zimmerman, a senior computer science student at Fairmont State University and former WVU student, has attended FallFest for four years.

"A lot of students here grew up listening to Ludacris so it was great to see someone so big right here on campus," Zimmerman said. "I like FallFest because it gives freshmen a great first college experience and offers upperclassmen a time to relax, have a drink and enjoy good music. It gives us all something to actually look forward to on the first day of school."