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Hundreds of students flocked to Tercentenary Theatre on a cloudy Sunday afternoon for Yardfest, the College’s annual spring concert for undergraduates.
Singer, songwriter, and producer Jeremih headlined the event, which was sponsored and organized by the Harvard College Events Board. Jeremih performed some of his most popular hits, including “Birthday Sex,” “oui,” and “Don’t Tell ’Em.”
The performance drew mixed reviews from students, with some criticizing the brevity of Jeremih’s appearance.
Student bands Beacon Street and Weld 16 also performed at Yardfest, and producers and DJs Coco & Breezy opened for Jeremih. Both undergraduate groups earned spots as openers by winning the Battle for Yardfest, an annual competition held in Sanders Theatre where student performers vie for the chance to open for the Yardfest headliner.
Claire Wigglesworth ’24 said she had “extremely high expectations” that were not met.
“Jeremih was the headliner, and he was more like Jere-mid to be honest. He was on for an hour, and there was so much build up to this. All of the block parties for the river and for the Quad and to be honest, I was unfulfilled,” she said.
Jeremih did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Habiba Eldefrawy ’25 said because she was not familiar with Jeremih’s music, this year’s installment of Yardfest was “worse” than last year’s.
Kingston H. Herbert ’25 said he thinks the event would benefit from a reallocation of funding for performers, adding that this year’s weather conditions made the event less enjoyable.
“I think they shouldn’t put any money into an opener. I think they should just put all their money into the main event,” he said.
CEB did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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Freshman John B. Vizhco Leon ’26 said Jeremih’s performance exceeded his expectations, describing the event as “amazing.”
“It was my first Yardfest, and it was something unreal. Being in the middle of the whole crowd was surreal,” he said.
Yardfest festivities began early in the afternoon with drinks, food, and music at block parties in courtyards at Leverett House, Quincy House, and Winthrop House, as well as an event on Quad Lawn.
“It was really nice seeing people from my future house community just vibing together. It was just a fun experience,” Vizhco Leon said.
At his final Yardfest, Quan L. Narula ’23 said he was “pretty hyped” to hear Jeremih — one of his favorite artists “since eighth grade” — perform his favorite songs.
“‘Down On Me’ with 50 Cent is great. ‘Birthday Sex’ is a great song,” Narula said. “Just a lot of solid bangers.”
Despite being unfamiliar with Jeremih’s music, Jessica X. Diao ’26 said she enjoyed the concert.
“Everyone’s in the same place and able to enjoy good music together and good food and being able to see friends,” she said.
—Staff writer John N. Peña can be reached at john.pena@thecrimson.com. Follow him on Twitter @john_pena7.
