Football and tailgating weren't the only seasonal favorites welcomed at Elon this Saturday; so was Apples and Airplanes, a Raleigh-based multi-instrumental alternative modern rock band.
"We love playing at Elon,"said Aaron Ordy, guitar player for the band. "We did it last year and it was a ton of fun. Lot of people, great turnout, so we're really happy to be back."
The group's setlist included original music and covers of popular songs including "Wagon Wheel" by Old Crow Medicine Show, Get Lucky by "Daft Punk" and "What I Got" by Sublime.
"We don't really like to limit ourselves to one genre," said Ordy.
The band formed in 2011 after the members met at an open-mic night in Raleigh. Saxophone player Jack Johnson said the name Apples and Airplanes was inspired by their blend of rock with alternative and funk themes.
"Our music is something simple, but we try to make it more complex with the horns and everything," Johnson said. "We put something simple and something complicated together and came up with Apples and Airplanes."
Apples and Airplanes has been dubbed the official tailgate band at N.C. State, playing before every home game. They said tailgates are some of their favorite gigs to play.
"We're all big football fans," Johnson said. "So its always fun being in the game atmosphere and everything. We like to contribute and get everybody in the mood right before the game gets going."
Students at the tailgate gave rave reviews of the band.
"I like the band a lot. I think it gives the tailgate a really great atmosphere," said junior Olivia Murray.
Sophomore Harrison Raby also enjoyed the groups sound.
"They're playing really great stuff," said Raby. "I like anything with a horn section. So yeah, they're great."
Apples and Airplanes hopes to return to play at Elon again in the near future. As Johnson explained, "It's a beautiful campus, and all the people are really nice. We love coming out."
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