WILD (concert)

WILD (concert)
Name	WILD
Location	St. Louis, Missouri
Years active	1973–present
Founders	Washington University in St. Louis
Genre	Various
Website	https://su.wustl.edu/wild/

WILD (concert). WILD, an acronym for Walk In Lay Down, is a long-standing biannual concert tradition held at Washington University in St. Louis. Organized by the university's Student Union, the free event transforms the campus's Brookings Quadrangle into a large-scale music festival each semester. Featuring a diverse lineup of national and local musical acts, it is a cornerstone of student life and one of the largest entirely student-run events in the Midwestern United States.

Overview

The concert is a major campus event that typically occurs once in the fall and once in the spring semester. It is funded through student activity fees allocated by the Washington University Student Union. The event is renowned for its accessibility to the entire university community and often draws thousands of attendees to the central Danforth Campus. Historically, the festival has showcased a wide array of musical genres, reflecting evolving student tastes and broader trends in the American music industry.

History

The event originated in 1973 as an informal gathering where students would "walk in and lay down" on blankets to enjoy music. Early editions were relatively small, student-organized performances. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the event grew in scale and professionalism, beginning to book notable emerging and established artists. Key figures in its development have included various student directors and the Campus Programming Committee. Its continuity through decades makes it one of the longest-running traditions at Washington University in St. Louis.

Format and activities

The festival is typically held on a Friday or Saturday afternoon and evening on the Brookings Quadrangle. The main stage hosts multiple acts, with performances scheduled back-to-back. In addition to the musical lineup, the event often includes activities like inflatable games, giveaways from campus groups, and food vendors. The setup and operations are managed entirely by student volunteers and executives, overseen by the Student Union Treasury and executive officers.

Notable performances

Over its long history, the concert has featured performances by a diverse range of artists before they achieved mainstream fame or at the height of their popularity. Past lineups have included Lizzo, Run-DMC, Ben Folds, The Roots, Third Eye Blind, Lupe Fiasco, MGMT, Snoop Dogg, Janelle Monáe, Foster the People, and Cage the Elephant. These bookings have often reflected both contemporary chart success and burgeoning indie or alternative scenes.

Organization and production

Planning is led by a student director appointed by the Student Union and involves a large committee of student volunteers. Key responsibilities include artist booking through promoters and agencies, securing necessary permits from the university and the city of St. Louis, stage and sound design, security coordination with Washington University Police Department, and budget management. Major funding comes from the Student Activity Fee administered by the Student Union Treasury.

Impact and reception

The event is widely regarded as a defining social and cultural experience for the student body, fostering campus community and school spirit. It has received coverage from local media like the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and student publications such as Student Life (newspaper). The concert's model of student-run large-scale event production has been noted by other university programming boards. Its enduring popularity underscores its significant role in the co-curricular life of Washington University in St. Louis.

Category:Washington University in St. Louis Category:Recurring events established in 1973 Category:Music festivals in Missouri