For almost every major University in the United States, comes one major concert with each year that passes. Usually these annual shows will include a single, big name headliner and that is about it. However, at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, a single headliner for their annual event would be kindly called in the words of the punk rock band NOFX, “Mediocre.”

     UNLV’s annual line-ups usually rival that of “Warped Tour” mixed with the “Up in Smoke Tour.” In the past, Rebelpalooza has showcased such artists as Busta Rhymes, Sugarcult, Bone Thugs ‘N’ Harmony, Face to Face, Guttermouth, Strung Out, Black Eyed Peas, O.A.R, Unwritten Law, and various others that ultimately become “co-headliners” for this smorgasbord of musical styles.

     These, however are only the predominant names in music which play at this University event. Though in fact, some of the biggest names in the underground scene of punk, rock, rap, and hip-hop from local arenas and more distant areas are brought to the forefront in this concert that is created by the Consolidated Students of the University of Nevada Student Government. More accurately, this event is developed by the Director of Entertainment and Programming, Jeff long. Long states, “This year’s Rebelpalooza is shaping up to be one of the best shows we have ever had. We are expecting a huge turn-out of both students, locals, and even people from distances!”

     His excitement over this concert is not just small talk. Long standing punk band NOFX will be co-headlining with punk counterparts Alkaline Trio. And for the hip-hop crowd that may be aching for their scratched records and bouncing bass, the headlining hip-hop artists are in the process of being officially announced.

     The mixture of musical styles occurs on more than one stage, and fans (or soon to be fans) move back and forth from small to large settings to watch their group perform for the crowd of eager thousands. And until the event reaches it’s full publicity in a few weeks, the full and complete list of bands is very much a secret.

     This student produced concert features more than simply musical groups. This year there will be a skate ramp, an Electronica DJ Tent, various merchant tents, and food and beverage sites around the two acre lot. Also featured and supporting this event are radio stations X107.5 Extreme Radio and KLUC 98.5. As well supporting are literary publications, Smash Magazine and the Las Vegas Mercury.

     Rebelpalooza, which is free for UNLV students with a Student ID and fifteen dollars to the general public (or twenty dollars when purchased on the day of the show), will be held this year on April 24, 2004. This event will take place on the Student Intramural Field at UNLV and last from 2-11 pm. Rebelpalooza is a collaboration of musical styles, and an intense showing of entertainment by a University event.