University of Virginia Library

Midwinters Groups
Promise Change

By Corbin Eissler
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

Midwinters Weekend is one of
the few remaining traditions at the
University, that the whole student
body subscribes to body and soul,
although there recently has been,
more of the former and less of the
latter.

A possible explanation for the
idealized excesses of the upcoming
weekend is that it comes at the
spiritual, if not astronomical, solstice
where renewed spirits turn to
spirits to at least hope for spring. A
more practical suggestion is that the
time is simply convenient, early in a
semester before the student turns
his pure heart toward the academic
pursuits so close to his desires.

But in any event Midwinter
Weekend, convenient or not, is one
of the at least more energetic
happenings of the year and one of
the freest aside from the annual
rumors of a "bust." And this one
promises to be no exception, as
each celebrates by means at hand
and close to his soul. But as said
before, this year there is a difference;
a conspicuous lack of soul
at least in the formal entertainment.

The PK-German Dance Society
has long been criticized for its lack
of ability in running a concert, in
procuring well known and contemporary
groups. Happily, this
year there appears to be a change.
The entertainment for this weekend
promises to be both interesting and
varied.

At eight o'clock on Friday the
thirteenth The Band will play in
University Hall, formally opening
the weekend. The Band is a fine
group that brings every element of
popular and classical music to their
work, and combines technical brilliance
that is nearly unsurpassed
with an unassuming dedication that
is as refreshing as their sound. The
overall result has a definite country
flavor, but The Band is far too good
to be so easily classified. They are
fine rock musicians, in fact fine
musicians, and are well worth
seeing.

The rock flavor of the weekend
is continued at the Valentine's Day
Dance, which will be held in
Memorial Gymnasium on Saturday
night. Magic Reign, one of the
bands featured, is a hard rock group
from Washington, D.C. Four in
number, the group's repertoire
ranges from Three Dog Night to
Led Zeppelin.

In addition to Magic Reign, the
Slithy Toves will also play at the
dance. This University based group
is also essentially hard rock, doing
much original material.

CC and the Souls appear to be
the only echo of past dances, billed
as "very popular in southern
colleges." But even this is just an
echo as their music ranges from
"Carolina Soul" to "hard rock."
Their music is to dance to, and at a
dance that is probably not a bad
idea.

Fraternity parties will follow
these festivities, lasting from 10-2
both Friday and Saturday nights.
Here too there is a significant
change from past weekends in that
there will be no hostesses and no
Link doormen.