Dillo Day: the one day of the year Northwestern transforms into a state school. Some of the greatest artists come to campus and perform on the lakefill for Northwestern students throughout the entire day. It is the biggest day to remember… or not to remember. And this year will not disappoint; artists such as Chance the Rapper, 2 Chainz, and Ryan Hemsworth will grace Northwestern’s stages, making this the biggest year yet. This week’s cutie is one of the men in charge of Mayfest, the student-run group in charge of Dillo Day. Watch out ladies, his name is Xander Shepherd and he is definitely a cutie–smart, artistic, and capable of getting those backstage passes (;
Year: Senior
Major: Political science
Hometown: New York City
What is your position on Mayfest?
I am one of the co-chairs for the whole organization. I, alongside Patrick Leonard, basically run Mayfest.
What can we expect on this year’s Dillo Day?
Without a doubt this year is going to be the biggest year to year change that everyone can expect to see in a fantastic way. The layout will be different with two fully functioning high-energy stages with full lineups. That’s a 100% increase in the programming we are offering compared to last year where there was only one stage and five acts. There will also be a platform for student art, for students to showcase their passions and interests, which I think is a fantastic thing. This year is going it to make a better and safer event for everybody. We also have an iPhone app now as well as these wristbands.
How is the process of choosing and recruiting performers?
I was much more involved in choosing the perfomers last year when I was head of concerts. We basically think of as many artists as we possibly can…as in hundreds and hundreds of artists. Next is finding out if they’re available or not by reaching out to agents and how much they cost. We immediately get rid of the artists that aren’t available and then we break them down based on costs and genre. Then we craft a lineup that is financially responsible and relevant to campus. We try to make sure they are going to be well received because we ultimately aim to serve the entire student body.
What has been your favorite part about working on Mayfest?
The euphoria and adrenaline rush on the day of when you take a step back and realize you were a part of something that brings immense joy to those around you. We operate throughout the year under the assumption that everything is toppling down and all we’re doing on a daily basis is keeping it propped up. But Dillo Day is the time you realize, no actually, you did a great job and it didn’t come toppling down. Once you have that realization… you’re hooked, it’s the best kind of drug.
Any tips for Dillo Day attendees?
Stay hydrated. For sure stay hydrated. Definitely come out as much as possible and stay out there for as long as possible. We made every effort this year to provide both consistent and strong programming on the main stage as well as awesome opportunities to listen to artists on the Indie U Stage. Indie Stage is high-energy with exciting performances that are very eclectic. There’s food and drinks out there, a beer garden, and so many other reasons you’re going to want to stay out on the lake. It is very self-sustaining. Come early leave late.
Who are you most excited to see on Dillo Day?
Chance the Rapper. I remember where I was last year when I first heard Acid Rap. I was sitting in Unicorn Café and I remember thinking this is incredible. Then I saw him at Lollapalooza, which was really exciting. Then seeing how Acid Rap took over this campus was something we caught onto quick. When we saw how excited everyone was that he was coming, we were thrilled. I expect it to be an amazing performance especially considering he’s a Chicago native and just recently turned 21.
Do you actually get to enjoy Dillo Day?
You will have a lifetime of watching a show from a crowd, but there are only so many times in your life you get to be on the other side of that fence, putting it on. That’s an experience of its own and it’s so much fun. Doing hours straight getting everything together is very exciting. The fact that you get to sit in a car with the artists that you really admire that are thanking you for being so professional is amazing (he got to have lunch with Steve Aoki in the middle of Dillo Day). The incredible upfront view while the artist is performing is one of the perks of being involved.
Is this something you see yourself doing after gradution?
Yes and no. The no being it is not actually what I’m doing next year. I’m working for a company called Red Scout that is an innovation company based in NYC that helps redesign products for large corporations that need help. I’m very excited about that but its not anything like my work with Mayfest. That said, I have a strong suspicion that I will find myself doing this again one day. I do feel that in some way or another I will still be involved in music. I’m a musician; I grew up playing music (yepp…he was in a band), which was the inspiration to joining Mayfest when I got to Northwestern and my outlet for music. I’m still tangentially connected to music one way or another.