The University of Colorado and Boulder communities are invited to share in the festivities as the University Memorial Center on the CU-Boulder campus celebrates its 50th anniversary with free concerts the week of Sept. 15.
All concerts will take place from noon to 1 p.m. on the UMC's South Terrace.
"The UMC has always been in the hearts and minds of the student body," said Carlos Garcia, UMC director. "For the past five decades, the UMC has contributed to the personal growth and development of practically every CU student."
The University Memorial Center first opened its doors in October 1953. Through the years it has expanded to accommodate a student population that has grown from 10,000 in 1953 to today's 29,000.
On Monday, Sept. 15, revelers will groove to the music of The Fab Four, a Beatles cover band, as it recreates the classic tunes of the 1960s.
On Wednesday, Sept. 17, the Legendary 4-Nikators will recreate the 1970s vibe with their danceable rock.
On Thursday, Sept. 18, 1980s-style girl-group Girls on Top will delight attendees with their pop sound.
Rounding out the remaining decades, a final band to be announced will do justice to the music of the 1990s and new millennium on Friday, Sept. 19.
The celebration includes free snacks during the concerts and free T-shirts for the first 100 people attending each day.
A costume contest completes the live entertainment on Friday, Sept. 19, at 12:30 p.m. as contestants compete for a grand prize of a round-trip airline ticket to anywhere in the continental United States provided by STA Travel. The second runner-up will receive a goodie bag with gifts from the Alferd Packer Grill, the CU Bookstore and Big Time Video.
The prizes will be awarded to the costumes that best symbolize any of the decades from 1950 to 2000.
The UMC Alferd Packer Grill will celebrate the 50th anniversary in its own way with "blast from the past" daily food specials. The CU Bookstore also will offer special discounts and an "enter to win" contest.
The UMC has always played an important part in student life, Garcia said. For some, it's been a place to eat, study, convene and socialize. For others, it's been a center for activism and political expression. Often described as the living room of the student body, the UMC continues to provide services and a space for students to experience the best four years of their lives, he said