By Maya Rego and Avery Dunn
With spring quarter fast approaching, and Dance Marathon just around the corner, PAC has unveiled the performance lineup! Featuring 10 outstanding groups, each brings their own unique style and talent. Dive in to discover more about each group and the music awaiting you at DM!
Love Moor: Love Moor is an LA-based artist whose music incorporates elements of alternative R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, and hip-hop. Her goal is to create an immersive and uplifting experience for all who engage with her work. She draws from both her southern roots and island influences to tell her unique story through song, fostering a strong connection with listeners.
Wright & The Wrongs: Led by Max Wright, Wright & The Wrongs is a UCLA band performing largely R&B and pop classics. The group features fellow UCLA students James Harries, Ryan Estes, Will Chai, Denise Cathryn, David Marsh, and Chet Breister. Since forming, the group has played at numerous events in the UCLA and LA community, from a Valentines show in Crenshaw to their role as the opener for artist Lucas Floos at The Hotel Cafe.
Hasitha: Hasitha is a UCLA artist who uses her powerhouse vocals to blend two musical influences on her life, her South Asian roots and modern Western pop, to create a unique sound. Her music is characterized by its danceable melodies and anthemic choruses, keeping audiences engaged with her dynamic stage presence. Since signing with Cherry Pop Records last year, Hasitha has worked all around the LA community, and released her single “Hysteria” this past November.
The Bed Bugs: The Bed Bugs is comprised of six UCLA students: John Bhaskar, Ellie Rice, Carter Wink, Cole McQuinn, Caleb Sokolowski, and Nathaniel Miles-Urdan. The band was created out of a desire to jam out with friends. Quickly the group realized their promise as a band and began taking a more serious approach to their work. They aim to play music that audiences don’t get in the Westwood music scene, moving beyond the popular indie rock of the area.
Evergreen: Evergreen is a UCLA band made up of five students: Ryan Estes, Denise Enrique, Renna Allan, Anna Guan, and Vivian Lu. The group performed at last year’s Dance Marathon during the 2am shift, eliciting rave reviews from the audience. Their work ranges from slow-paced epics to high-energy pop hits, covers and originals. Notably, they often swap instruments and singers mid-set to incorporate a high level of variety into their performances. Come check them out at PAC’s Fundraising Event on March 9th at 8pm!
DJ Michael Basic: A longtime collaborator with PAC, DJ Michael Basic has become a staple of Dance Marathon, having performed at the event for the last 15 years. His talents extend beyond the DJ table – the artist is also a magician working within the LA community. He often performs at other UCLA functions, working with numerous organizations to bring his signature style to their events.
Going Outside: Going Outside is a jazz-funk group made up of students Sam Wolf, Alex Meckes, Evan Zhao, Ruben Greem, Zach Rosen, and Adrian Culver. A one of the kind collection of performers, the band is an instrumental group, incorporating improvised solos into classics such as Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” and Herbie Hancock’s “Watermelon Man.” Come get a sneak peek of their music at PAC’s Fundraising Event on March 9th at 8pm!
Matty Gottesman: A singer, songwriter, and producer, Matty Gottesman’s work blends pop beats with soulful vocals. He released his debut single “Don’t Play Dumb” in early 2023, and has since released six singles. Among them is his holiday track “Winter Wonderland.” He has performed at the House of Blues in Anaheim and The Mint, among other venues.
Between BackSeats: Made up of musicians Anisha Brady, German Rodriguez, Enrique Duarte, Mike Isaacs, Dante Keneally, and Micheal Carter, Between BackSeats is a LA-based group that incorporates indie rock, pop, reggae, and jazz, among other genres, into their work. They emphasize high energy choruses and complex solos. As a six-piece fusion band, their sound is highly eclectic. Each musician brings their individuality to their performances – for example, their keyboardist incorporates their South American roots into their work through sounds such as Samba and Bossa Nova. They currently have a residence at Casey’s in Downtown Los Angeles.
Swede & Skogen: Swede and Skogen is an alternative music group born and raised in Southern California. Their debut full-length LP “Big Dog” was released last May. The album was recorded over eight months out of their garage. While the initial plan was never to create a full-length LP, that quickly began to take shape after their first recording session. The group describes it as a culmination of their own laughter, catharsis, and personality pulled from the conscious and subconscious of each of their members.
Thanks to all our performers! To see them all, register for Dance Marathon here: https://join.pedaids.org/event/ucla-dance-marathon
Pediatric AIDS Coalition 