From Phoebe Bridgers’s confusion about UCSB’s mascot to Giveon making the audience swoon whenever he said “Santa Barbara,” the AS Winter Chill event was a great escape from midterm anxiety.
The event started with Phoebe Bridger’s introducing herself and setting a cozy mood with her pajamas. I just felt a sense of warmth from her performance, especially when she looked straight at the camera and smiled. This was my first time attending a zoom edition event, and while the unstable WIFI connection was a bummer, I was excited to be watching something with a large crowd. Sure there was no one pushing me or crowding me, but the chat was overflowing with messages. It felt the same way as being on Twitter during the final game of the World Series or a movie theater watching Avengers: Endgame. There were people on the chat confessing their love for Pheobe Bridgers and Giveon. One of my favorite comments was people advising against texting their ex.
The artists also gave the audience plenty of funny moments. Phoebe Bridgers confused UCSB’s mascot for banana slugs and then thought Gauchos were a type of pants style. Giveon shared that after his track “Still Your Best,” released unsaved numbers were texting him because of the line “that’s a downgrade, and you know it.” Giveon clarified that he does not always take a “toxic approach,” but the people at the event were enjoying his performance and asking for more. He so graciously gave an encore and said he was having a good time.
The night ended with attendees wanting Giveon to stay longer, but he wrapped up saying, “can’t wait to this again with you guys,” here is to hoping we can safely go back to in-person concerts and events soon. Students were appreciative to AS Program Board for booking two great performers for what indeed was a chill night.