{shortcode-9de5eb1ed39d7934837092d34bddb375f4ff9e7d}midst a suspenseful lead-up to the headliner announcement, Harvard College students celebrated the annual Yardfest concert Friday. Only three days before the concert, the headlining act was revealed to be Tiësto, a Grammy Award-Winning Dutch DJ. Although some students expressed concern in the days leading up to the concert over having another EDM artist following last year’s headliner Steve Aoki, and although the weather conditions Friday were rainy and colder than years past, Tiësto’s performance drew a large crowd. With original hits such as “Red Lights” and "Wasted" as well as Tiësto’s iconic DJ mixes, students spent the day partying and dancing the night away.
The rain pushed the House Committee-sponsored "Block Parties" inside, such as the one thrown by River East in Leverett Dining Hall. Students enjoyed churros, popcorn, cotton candy, fried dough, and drinks, along with free Tiësto t-shirts, before heading to the concert. {shortcode-49c1409378153974390bb999faf70bfe457afda4}
Three hours until Yardfest begins, personnel finalize setting up the stage. Yardfest took place in Tercentenary Theater, the area of the Yard between Memorial Church and Widener Library. {shortcode-aa72216a6c2b4497ad53c8c9231a28f05840a757}
Around 6 p.m., the lines for entrance into Yardfest grew fairly long, with only a few entrances available for students. Despite the rain, students weren't allowed to bring in umbrellas but could receive free ponchos. (Photo by Kirstin E. Anderson.)
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W. Gant Player '19 of the band Hello Cleveland goes shirtless while bandmate Evan Sandhoefner '17 looks amusedly on for the crowd's reaction. Before Tiësto's headlining act, student bands performed.
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Students get hyped as Tiësto comes on stage. Michel Maalouly '16 shows off his excitement while at the front of the crowd. {shortcode-2124ba4991cb77ab6da573868ca3a51ad85e024d}
Surrounded by a rainy crowd and the colorful lights of Widener, Tiësto first takes the stage. Though the headlining act was not released until a few days before the concert, many students responded with excitement as Tiësto arrived. (Photo by Soumyaa Mazumder.)
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Student and musician Brynn A. Elliott '18 takes the stage to perform with Tiësto. (Photo by Zennie L. Wey.)
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Widener remains lit throughout the night. Students line the center aisle in front of Widener Library as they rock out to Tiësto's music. {shortcode-be9e69c036455f6f75cc558dff6a69465b361890}
Students turn toward the camera and pose for a quick picture. As Yardfest drew to a close, many students left with muddy shoes and wet hair along with excitement from the show. (Photo by Kirstin E. Anderson.)
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