Attendance expectations vary widely across classrooms at Rutgers University, where some professors enforce strict policies others leave attendance optional. The variation means students often navigate different expectations from class to class depending on the professor and course format. 

Across campus, attendance policies are often influenced by the size and structure of a course. Large lecture classes frequently do not track attendance, while smaller discussion-based courses tend to require students to attend regularly and participate in class activities. 

DeJana L., a former Rutgers student, said many of her large lecture courses did not require students to attend class. “Pretty much all of my large lecture classes had no attendance policy,” DeJana said. “Because the classes were so large there would not be any attendance taken.” 

Even without formal attendance requirements, she said lectures still created an incentive for students to attend in order to keep up with the material, “If you only showed up during exam days there was a high chance you wouldn’t do well if you skipped the lectures, so that was the motivation for attendance.”

Smaller courses, however, often operated differently. Classes focused on discussion, collaboration, or group projects typically had more structured attendance rules. 

“Smaller, more discussion-based classes definitely had stricter attendance standards,” DeJana said. “Usually you were allotted a certain amount of absences, for example four unexcused absences for the semester.” According to DeJana, exceeding the allowed number of absences in these courses could sometimes result in grade penalties. 

Michael K., a current Rutgers student, said his experience reflects similar differences across classes. 

“It really depends on the professor,” Michael said. “Some classes have very strict attendance policies where missing more than a couple classes affects your grade, while others are much more flexible and treat attendance as optional.” 

Michael shared that he believes flexible policies can be helpful for students who balance academic responsibilities with work, commuting, or other obligations outside of school: “I tend to prefer the more flexible policies because college students have different responsibilities outside the classroom,” he said. “In my experience, I’ve still been able to keep up with the material and perform well academically even in weeks when I couldn’t attend every class.” 

While attendance policies are often intended to encourage engagement, students being physically present in class does not always guarantee that they are actively learning. 

“I think it mostly ensures people show up rather than actually making them engaged,” Michael expressed. “Someone can be sitting in a classroom but not paying attention at all.” 

DeJana expressed a similar perspective, noting, “Attendance doesn’t necessarily mean paying attention.” However, she added that attending lectures can still help students retain information, even if they are not actively taking notes during class, “Even if you show up to lecture and don’t take notes, if you are actively listening you’re bound to still absorb some information that you could later recall in exams.”

Attendance expectations in college often differ from those in high school, where students are typically required to attend class daily and attendance is closely monitored by administrators. At universities, instructors generally have greater flexibility in designing course policies, including whether attendance will factor into grades. 

Classroom expectations have also evolved in recent years following the shift to remote and hybrid learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, many universities temporarily moved courses online, which introduced new levels of flexibility for students and instructors. Although most classes have since returned to in-person instruction, the experience of remote learning has continued to influence conversations about how strictly attendance should be enforced in traditional classrooms. 

Michael said that policies focusing on student participation and coursework may be more effective than simply requiring students to be present, “When classes focus more on the quality of assignments and participation in discussions rather than just attendance, it creates a better learning environment.” 

Students shared that the current system — in which professors determine their own attendance policies — can work as long as expectations are clearly outlined in course syllabi. 

DeJana said the balance between flexible lecture policies and stricter expectations in smaller classes generally feels reasonable, “Attendance being optional in large lectures gives flexibility while also providing accountability.” She continued, “If you never show up your grade will suffer.” 

Because attendance policies are typically determined by individual instructors, students often review course syllabi carefully at the start of each semester to understand expectations. As classroom formats continue to vary across departments and disciplines, attendance policies remain one of the ways professors shape how students engage with their courses.

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In February of 2025, approximately 1,000 National Park Service employees received termination notices. These layoffs continue to affect both the parks and former employees today. The terminated staff members not only lost their jobs but some who were living in park housing now face homelessness.

The impact of these layoffs extends to areas near Rutgers University. Philadelphia’s Independence National Historic Park, just eight minutes from Rutgers University Camden, was among the affected parks. According to reporting by Isaac Avilucea, this park—which hosted about 2.6 million visitors last year—lost two employees. Additionally, pending job applications have been rescinded, further straining the park’s already limited resources.

With reduced staffing, remaining employees face increased workloads. Parks may need to reduce operating hours, close certain exhibits or tour sites, and staff continue working under the threat of future job cuts.

Park officials at Independence National Historic Park expect to learn soon whether more positions will be eliminated, potentially forcing further reductions in services. This timing is particularly challenging as the park prepares for its 250th anniversary celebration next year, with resource limitations potentially delaying planned events and preparations.

Visitors will likely notice the effects of these cuts. Avilucea reports that “Pennsylvanians should expect more closures or reduced hours at some state parks, fewer ranger-led programming and dirtier bathrooms.”

National park services are asking the public for patience and understanding during this period of limited resources. Ways to support the parks include practicing “leave no trace” principles, planning visits efficiently, and cleaning up after oneself.

Links to works cited:

Philly’s Independence Park hit by national park layoffs 

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By Frank Schuenemann

With submissions for graduate school applications quickly approaching, we at The Gleaner felt
that it was necessary to cover many of the bases to ensure that students already attending Rutgers
Camden were informed on exactly what the process is. Erick E. Watt-Udogu has held the title
assistant dean at Rutgers Camden, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for three years. His
enthusiasm for helping students succeed and his passion for his career made him the perfect
person to oversee admissions. He says the best route for undergraduates already attending
Rutgers Camden, is simply to speak to your graduate program director. If you are not sure who
this is the best thing to do would be to ask a faculty member you are comfortable with. The
graduate program director will be looking for letters of recommendation from an academic,
Statement of Purpose (so important). Some iterations of this you need your transcripts from your
undergraduate program and sometimes a resume or writing sample, depending on the program.
“It’s not a GPA thing,” said Udogu. “We look at students holistically, there are applicants of
various GPAs. The question is ‘can a person manage the rigor of graduate school and have the
interests in the program?’ That’s what we’re looking for more than a single number. Community
is big for us and providing people with an opportunity is big for us. It’s probably better to have a
3 than not but I do know students who do not have 3s.” Our product here is helping people
achieve their dreams or creating new knowledge and new creative concepts. That’s how the
world goes around.”

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The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a program that helps students with financial need to study or intern abroad. Funded by the U.S. Department of State and run by the Institute of International Education (IIE), this scholarship is meant to give students global experiences that can boost their careers and improve their language skills. To be eligible, students must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant at the time of application. The scholarship is highly competitive but it offers a chance for students to gain international experience. Since it started in 2001, the program has helped thousands of students, many of whom come from small towns and underrepresented communities. 

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a program that helps students with financial need to study or intern abroad. Funded by the U.S. Department of State and run by the Institute of International Education (IIE), this scholarship is meant to give students global experiences that can boost their careers and improve their language skills. To be eligible, students must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant at the time of application. The scholarship is highly competitive but it offers a chance for students to gain international experience. Since it started in 2001, the program has helped thousands of students, many of whom come from small towns and underrepresented communities. 

In addition to the regular scholarship, The Gilman Scholarship also offers extra funding for students studying critical languages (languages important to national security) and for those doing STEM-related research abroad. The goal is to encourage students to explore new cultures and gain valuable skills that will help them in their future careers. 

RUC students have been successful in the program. In the October 2024 cycle, four Rutgers students received the scholarship. Out of more than 7,100 applicants, only 1,600 were selected nationwide. At Rutgers Camden, 18% of applicants were awarded the scholarship which is close to the national average of 22%. Additionally, 75% of Rutgers-Camden’s Gilman recipients are first-generation students, showing the program’s impact on students who might not otherwise have the chance to go abroad. 

The March 2025 application cycle is now open for students planning to study or intern abroad between May 2025 and April 2026. The deadline to apply is March 6, 2025, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.. For students looking to study abroad and gain new experiences, the Gilman Scholarship is a great opportunity to make it happen!

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The rapid rise of artificial intelligence in recent years has sparked massive change across various sectors, and academia is no exception. With OpenAI’s launch of ChatGPT in late 2022, the floodgates opened for a new wave of AI-powered products designed to assist in everything from writing and research to problem-solving and data analysis. As a result, students across the globe have increasingly turned to AI for academic support, and a new set of tools and technologies has emerged to assist in studies, sometimes blurring the lines between helpful resources and academic misconduct.

The Widespread Adoption of AI in Academia

AI tools are now commonplace in academic settings. Students use AI for a range of tasks: generating essay drafts, summarizing research papers, brainstorming ideas, and even programming. The ability to generate content almost instantaneously has proven to be a valuable asset in such time-constrained environments. Tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly, and other specialized AI services have become integrated into many students’ study routines, enabling them to complete tasks faster. However, this surge in AI usage raises important questions about the ethical implications and potential risks associated with its application in academic settings.

Common Misconceptions About AI

Despite its rapid adoption, there remains confusion surrounding the capabilities and limitations of AI. One of the most common misconceptions is that AI tools, like ChatGPT, are reliable sources of information. While these tools can provide useful insights, they are prone to errors, hallucinations, and biases. It’s also vital to remember that AI cannot engage in critical thinking, create original research, or produce truly novel ideas. Therefore, it should not be viewed as a replacement for personal intellectual effort but as a supplement.

Academic Violations and Mistakes Students Make

The increasing reliance on AI in academic study has led to several common violations and mistakes. One of the most significant issues is plagiarism—either directly copying content generated by AI or failing to appropriately credit AI contributions. Students may also fall into the trap of using AI tools to complete entire assignments, which not only violates the schools academic integrity policy, but also leads to a lack of personal learning and growth. Furthermore, some students may use AI-generated content without fully understanding it, risking the submission of inaccurate or incomplete work.

Best Ways to Use AI for Study:

When used responsibly, AI can be a powerful study tool. Here are some tips for making the most of it:

1. Use AI for Idea Generation: AI is great for brainstorming and structuring ideas for papers or projects. Use it to help map out topics or outline arguments but ensure you develop these ideas in your own words.
   
2. Article summarization: AI can help summarize articles or clarify complex topics, but always verify information from credible sources to avoid misinformation.
   
3. Improve Writing Quality: AI tools like Grammarly can be useful to check grammatical errors without making significant / material changes to the original work.
   
4. Learn from AI: If you’re stuck on a concept, AI can provide examples and explanations in simpler terms. It can also provide real world use cases of course material, leading to greater levels of understanding. Treat it as an assistant, not a substitute for learning.

How Not to Use AI In Academic Settings: 

1. Passing AI completed assignments and work as yours: Using AI to write entire essays or solving problem sets is academic dishonesty, and  The Rutgers Academic Integrity policy states it quite clearly.
2. Taking AI generated reponses as fact:  AI is often confidently wrong, presenting incorrect information as fact. It is important to remember that most AI’s produce what word It thinks would most likely appear next rather than any true understanding of the presented information. Always fact check AI responses before using them for any meaningful work.
3. Skipping critical thinking: While AI is good at answering questions quickly, students may fall into the trap of using it as a go-to replacement for thoughtfully considering a problem and developing a well-reasoned solution.

Consequences of Improper AI Use and Academic Dishonesty

The consequences of improper AI use can be severe. Rutgers University considers the use of AI to cheat or plagiarize as academic dishonesty, leading to penalties ranging from failed assignments to expulsion. Beyond the legal and institutional consequences, the long-term effects on students’ education are also significant. Over-reliance on AI can stunt academic development, leaving students ill-prepared for real-world challenges. In an age where AI’s presence is growing, it is crucial to remember that education is about building personal skills and knowledge, and tools like AI should merely act as an aid, not a crutch.

Key Takeaways

In case you don’t remember anything else from this article, here are the essentials:

1. Use AI as a tool, not a shortcut – It can be helpful for brainstorming, editing, and research, but your work should reflect your own understanding.
2. Avoid academic dishonesty – Passing off AI-generated content as your own is a violation of academic integrity. Always check for plagiarism, verify sources, and respect intellectual property rights when using AI tools.
3. Don’t let AI replace learning – Use AI to enhance your studies, but ensure you remain actively engaged in the learning process.

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As Rutgers Camden students, we often find ourselves sticking close to campus. It’s easy to rotate from using meal swipes for the dining hall, to getting chicken over rice from the halal food truck or even buying prepackaged meals from the corner store; but just beyond the familiar sights remain some of Camden County’s best-kept secrets. From cozy cafes to vibrant dining spots, there’s indeed a world of flavor and fun lingering to be explored—all within an 8-mile radius of the campus! Whether you’re a student craving something new to eat or looking for a unique place to unwind and dine with your friends, these hidden gems have got you covered.

1. The Pop Shop – Located in Collingswood, NJ (729 Haddon Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08108)
A retro, 1950s-inspired diner known for its playful decor and menu, featuring everything from gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches to delicious cowboy burgers, and creamy milkshakes! It’s the perfect spot for brunch or just hanging out with friends for a chill dinner. And trust me, the nostalgic atmosphere is perfect for Instagram pics!

2. Donkey’s Place – Located in Camden, NJ (1223 Haddon Ave, Camden, NJ 08103)
This legendary spot is famous for its one-of-a-kind cheesesteaks, which come on a poppy seed kaiser roll instead of the usual hoagie bun, loaded with juicy, perfectly seasoned beef and crispy fried onions. This Camden staple has been serving deliciousness since 1943 and is a must-try if you’re in the mood for a killer cheesesteak! The classic vibe and history make it a genuine place to grab a bite.

3. Nuanced Café – Located in Camden, NJ (225 Market St, Camden, NJ 08102)
Check out this great spot at 225 Market Street! It’s a chill community hub where you can grab some locally roasted coffee, organic teas, and fresh pastries. The café feels super cozy with local artwork around and the staff is always friendly and welcoming. Whether you want to hit the books, hang out with friends, or just sip on a great cup of coffee, Nuanced Café is a lively yet laid-back place right in the heart of Camden!

4. Tatem Memorial Garden – Located in Haddonfield, NJ (309 Kings Hwy E, Haddonfield, NJ 08033)
This peaceful and well-kept park is a great little escape with colorful seasonal flowers, nice shaded walkways, and cute benches. It’s a cozy spot to hang out, read a book, or just chill in the quiet! With it just being a quick trip from Camden, it’s the perfect place to relax and recharge, surrounded by pretty landscapes and lots of greenery.

5. Bain’s Deli – Located on the Camden Waterfront (2 Aquarium Loop Dr, Camden, NJ 08103)
This place is famous for its fantastic sandwiches, like the roast beef smothered in tasty brown gravy, you can even tweak your deli meats and sides however you like. They mix fresh ingredients with a home-cooked feel. It’s perfect for a quick and tasty meal, whether you’re checking out Camden’s waterfront or just need to grab lunch on the go in between classes

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With finals rolling around the corner and page-long rubrics hiding in your syllabi, the Writing and Design Lab is here to help. Otherwise known as the WDL, the Writing and Design Lab is located at 101 Cooper Street. Only two blocks down from the Business building, the WDL is tucked away in the lobby of Camden’s old public library in Johnson Park.

With giant stone pillars, royal-esqe stairs, and a trickling reflection pool in the garden, Johnson Park is not only a scenic walk, but a productive one. The Writing and Design Lab has a team of four student consultants and is directed by Dr. Fitzgerald, an esteemed professor in the English department, and Tyler Fleser, a current graduate student in Rutgers Creative Writing MFA program.

How can the WDL help you?
The WDL welcomes students from all majors, whether you’re a nursing student preparing a research paper, or an aspiring graduate student looking for help with application essays. Consultants can assist with research papers, essays, graduate applications, and even scholarship essays.

The WDL not only assists with writing, but designs as well. The center is equipped with computers, software, and even recording technology, like microphones. Adobe Suite is available to all Rutgers students free of cost and is easy to use on the lab computers. Consultants can even assist students with downloading the programs on their personal computers.

What are the WDL hours?
The WDL is open for walk-in hours Monday through Thursday, from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Want to reserve your time with a consultant? Making an appointment with the WDL on Navigate is easy. Either visit the WDL website for the link or sign into Navigate with your Rutgers email.

Virtual appointments are available on Fridays for that last minute weekend help.

Can’t make it in for an appointment?
The WDL has an ongoing series of videos about writing tips and tricks now available on their website. These videos cover topics like free software, grammar practices, and even how to outline an essay. In addition to this curated series of videos, the WDL is now offering workshops as collaborations with professors and different on-campus organizations.

In October, the WDL collaborated with Rutgers Pre Law Society to teach a workshop around writing personal essays for law school applications and is open for collaboration with other campus organizations searching for design or writing assistance.

To inquire about collaboration, visit the WDL website and email rutgers.wdl@rutgers.edu.

As finals start to appear, the WDL is a great resource for either that second set of eyes on your paper or even help organizing your thoughts prior to writing the paper.

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On November 7, Student Governing Association held its eighth General Body Meeting. The meeting began with welcoming remarks and the usual roll call. In the absence of Treasurer Toft, Senator John, and Representative Sta. Anna, the meeting proceeded.

Dean Nickitas from the School of Nursing joined the meeting as a guest speaker, delivering an inspiring message of support and appreciation. She commended the dedication of SGA members and applauded the School of Nursing’s faculty and students, acknowledging the hard work and commitment shown by all involved.

The President’s report included several key campus updates. Members of the President’s Advisory Committee, including President Lugo, Vice President Mody, Treasurer Toft, and student Paul Boyd are focused on campus advocacy initiatives for Rutgers-Camden. Additionally, the President announced an upcoming one-on-one meeting with Chancellor Tillis scheduled for November 26, which will provide an opportunity to discuss campus priorities and improvements.

Looking ahead, the President reminded attendees that the next General Body Meeting would take place on November 14 in the West ABC Conference Rooms. The report also included announcements about post-election debrief events, which are scheduled for November 13th at the Raptor Roost and November 21st in the West AB Conference Rooms during free period. These events are hosted by the Wellness Center and they aim to offer students a space to reflect and discuss the election’s impact.

GAO Chairperson Quitola gave important reminders for student organizations, emphasizing attendance requirements for securing additional funding. The Chairperson also noted that all SGA General Body Meetings count as approved Honors College activities, encouraging Honors students to attend and engage in these meetings.

Quitola shared upcoming events on campus include the 1st Gen Sneaker Ball on November 7th, a Cyberpunk-themed gaming campaign hosted by the Tabletop Gaming and Anime and Manga Alliance on the same day, a Student Nurses Association event on November 12th, and a Research Retreat on November 20th hosted by AMSA, the Biology Club, and the Chemistry Club.

Additionally, a President’s Meeting featuring a Treasurer’s Workshop is scheduled for November 13th in the West AB Conference Room, with two sessions available during the free period and in the evening. Budget applications for student organizations will open on November 11th.

In the Executive Senator’s report updates were shared about the campus food pantry, confirming it has been added to the Canvas RUC student resource page. SGA aims to improve its accessibility, making it easier for students to locate this valuable resource.

During the open forum, Katherine, the Director of Dining Services, provided updates about Thanksgiving dining hall hours, which are now available on the website. She also invited students to attend Friendsgiving on November 19th.

Students with further questions can reach Dining Services via the text-to-chat service. Additionally, student Jenna Ahmed promoted the upcoming Research Retreat and encouraged students to reach out to the Biology Club or Chemistry Club for more information.

The meeting adjourned at 5:46 PM, closing a swift session focused on strengthening campus resources, student support, and upcoming events.

For any additional questions or details, students are encouraged to reach out to the SGA.

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Welcome to the first installment of The Gleaner x WCCR column. For those unaware, WCCR is Rutgers–Camden’s very own student-run radio station. Check them out here.

There are many important awards in the world of music, ranging from from the Grammys and large magazine “best of” lists to fan-made online arguments about which Death Grips song is really the loudest and most obnoxious. However, one award remains the most coveted–the oh-so-elusive “song of the summer.” This came to a head with Charlie XCX’s now infamous lime-green tinged “Brat summer”. 

With summer having been officially gone for many weeks here at Rutgers–Camden, it is finally time for the most anticipated award of all: the WCCR short list of the top five songs of the summer. 

Keep in mind, as a disclaimer to all of the haters out there, you DO NOT need to agree with this list. HOWEVER, if you believe “MILLION DOLLAR BABY” or “Espresso” is the best song of summer 2024, you are objectively wrong. With that out of the way, let’s get started.

5. U c@nt fwm if u rlly wnted 2 – kkamiistar

The prolific juug artist kkamiistar did it again this summer, dropping an impressive four albums. However, the win10 server.iso project really stands out above the rest, showing kkamii’s impressive production capabilities, which are even more polished than the year before. The opening song “U c@nt fwm if u rlly wnted 2” not only brings extreme energy and chaotic vibes, but also showcases an extremely catchy hook (even if you can’t understand it at parts).

4. RAL2222 – Radio Edit – SEES00000

Enigmatic LA-based artist SEES00000 came out of nowhere this summer, dropping his debut album, “If I Promise To Miss You, Will You Go Away” and almost immediately going on tour with South Jersey indie star mk.gee. On this album is the song RAL2222 – Radio Edit, a droning post-indie punk song very reminiscent of dirtbag-core artists such as The Hellp. If this is what SEES00000’s debut material looks like, I am definitely very excited to see what he drops in the future.

3. KELIS – Vayda ft. WiFiGawd prod. Dylcinci

I am not going to lie. When I saw this song pop into my just released page on Spotify and saw the collection of artists on this song I immediately knew it was going to be a banger. WiFi’s trademark catchy flow over the hook, combined with Vayda’s nonchalant baddie yet dangerously hard energy over the verse, all on an extremely versatile Dylvinci beat creates a delicious music sandwich. Listen to this song.

2. Turn it up – PinkPantheress

Do I really need to say anything about why this song encapsulates the pure vibes that is summer? PinkPantheress totally redeemed herself after the complete mess that was “Heaven Knows.” This song feels like fun, it feels like happiness, it feels like the beach, it feels like classic PinkPantheress, and it feels like a reminder that things will work out.

1. D I M C O L A R E P R I S E – Salami Rose Joe Louis

So here’s the thing: I do not know if this song actually counts. This recording is what I believe to be the best live set of the summer. This eight (yes eight!) minute long journey is more of a pure emotional response to the beauty of music than it is a song. However, the song is not boring-the jazz combined with neo soul and electronica dance overlaid with Salami’s playful yet strangely angelic voice makes for an engaging and transformative listening experience that will no doubt leave goosebumps on your skin.

There it is, the official WCCR x Gleaner top five songs of the summer. I truly hope you give all of these songs a listen and do not forget to KEEP KEEPIN’ YA MIND OPEN!

Check out the WCCR website https://wccr.camden.rutgers.edu, and tune into one of their many show offerings!

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Last week on Wednesday and Thursday,  Philadelphia was visited by some musical acts from as far away as England and Australia, and the Gleaner was fortunate enough to make both shows in order to see for ourselves what the cat had dragged in.

First up was Sheppard, a Brother-and-Sisters act from Brisbane, Australia. Those with a good memory for radio jams might remember their main claim to fame: 2014’s smash hit earworm Geronimo which served as the second single to their album Bombs Away. It was the first-ever song recorded in Brisbane to become a number one single, and the same poppy feel-good energy that suffused it as it traveled through the car radios and mall intercoms of the world have been harnessed to great effect on their new album Zora, which this month’s show and the tour of which it was a part are meant to promote. The energy levels were high in the second story of the famous Milkboy restaurant, bar, and music venue. Milkboy is an oddly named but still hip little dive bar with a story: it takes its name from a recording studio founded by the restaurant’s owners that has worked with everyone from Kanye West to Lil’ Uzi Vert to Ariana Grande to Michael Jackson. It keeps the energy of a local dive with the pedigree and quality in drinks and food of an upscale place. The vibes of the show were definitely intimate, as promised, with some tight wooden stairs leading  to the concert venue upstairs. One is bound to be reminded of  indie venues from the movies or tv; I personally found myself instantly transported to Scott Pilgrim vs. The World as I climbed up to the dimly lit and cozy barside stage, shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the audience as we buzzed and chatted over beers discussing the commonalities that had brought us here.

 I was fortunate enough to briefly run into the lead singer for the opening act, Kids That Fly, milling about in the audience before the show. I got in a brief question about his photo policy which he answered with a reassuring “let ‘er rip, we can take it, with flash or without, do your thing man!” while striking an imitable “rock star guitarist” pose, which I will admit made me laugh and helped the entire experience feel even more like a true indie rock affair. When the time came for performances to start, Kids absolutely spared no expense when it came to delivering an energetic performance. The Connecticut alt-rockers delivered an eclectic and upbeat set, getting the audience more than ready for Sheppard to take center stage.

Take the stage, they did. The Sheppard siblings were the stars of the show, backed by a truly prodigious session bassist and equally skilled session drummer. Together the five of them put on a compelling show. At times the theming and lyricism of the Sheppard pieces might to some be a bit shallow – their anthem to self-esteem named simply,  You Can Kiss My Fat A**, for example – but the sheer bubbly nature of their tunes and their can-do, funny, and easy-going onstage personas uplifted the show into something far greater than the sum of its parts – it gave fun-for-all radio pop and scrappy garage indie all at once. On paper, the true star of the show was their upcoming album Zora, but the crowd began to truly frenzy when the unmistakable Geronimo began to play, with the session musicians giving their all as well as the Sheppards blew the figurative roof off of the second floor venue-cheeky-pre-final-chorus-fourth-wall-break and all.

Next came Wilderado, on Thursday the 13th. Theirs was a more toned down and mature-feeling show, with the electric energy from Sheppard’s show the night prior swapped out for an acoustic sincerity that meshed just right with their folk music about life in the face of ennui and uncertainty. The venue here was also quite novel, a combination bowling alley/venue/bar in Fishtown called Brooklyn Bowl. With the muted but unmistakable noise of bowling pins gently tucked in the background and the Bowl’s unique stained glass catching the inimitable Delaware River sunset, the preshow took the stage: they were Flyte, a trio from London with the perfect moody folk aura to precede the headlining act. Of all the great songs sampled over the two days, it was Flyte’s mournful ballad Everyone’s A Winner that stuck with me the longest after the shows were over.

Wilderado were similarly promoting a new project, their sophomore album Talker. The title track was played along with a medley of their other songs, and all were delightfully hip and mellow without going too far into navel-gazing or trying to sound hip. They were ultimately, as Max Rainer said before counting his bandmates into Talker, simply there to show us a good time and remind us through music that we are all more alike than we are different. 

Mission accomplished, Wilderado.

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