The eagerly anticipated Screamin’ Eagle Jam is making a triumphant return to Eye Street on April 26, 2024. This cherished open-mic tradition, which had become a distant memory, is set to captivate the Gonzaga community once again, thanks to the efforts of the guitar club led by Mr. Joe Viola ‘83.
The Screamin’ Eagle Jam was once the heartbeat of musical expression at Gonzaga, a platform where students showcased their musical prowess. Mr. Viola, the visionary behind this highly anticipated event, shed light on the event’s illustrious history.
“Mr. Danny Costello ‘72, longtime fundraising vice president of Gonzaga, in his younger years, developed a sort of a program to highlight some of the student bands, so what happened was a number of student bands would start to come play,” Mr. Viola said.
Mr. Viola revealed an exciting surprise awaiting the audience at the Screamin’ Eagle Jam.
“There’s going to be a surprise opening act. The surprise opening act is going to be members of the faculty putting together their own jam band,” Mr. Viola said.
The guitar club, spearheading this revival, envisions the event as a chance for Gonzaga’s budding musicians to shine and revive a tradition that holds a special place in Gonzaga’s legacy. Carter Marisa ‘24, the vice president of the guitar club, emphasized the significance of Screamin’ Eagle Jam.
“The Screamin’ Eagle Jam is a long-standing tradition at Gonzaga that no current Gonzaga students have experienced. It is a great opportunity for any musicians to showcase their musical talents,” Marisa said.
Eagerness permeates the student body as they prepare to showcase their musical talents on this revived stage. Excitement is noticeable among the students with Sean Garayta ‘26, a member of the guitar club, expressing his anticipation.
“I was hyped when Mr. Viola told me that he was bringing it back. My cousin used to tell me about the Screamin’ Eagle Jam, and I’ve always been interested in the idea of a student concert. I’ve been practicing for it for a while and can’t wait for it to get started,” Garayta said.
As the Screamin’ Eagle Jam resurfaces from the depths of Gonzaga’s musical history, a chorus of enthusiasm fills the air. With the guitar club at the helm, under the expert guidance of Mr. Joe Viola ‘86, the event promises to be a wonderful experience, weaving together threads of tradition, talent and brotherhood. Students do not need to purchase tickets, and all are welcome to attend. As the Gonzaga community gathers to witness this musical spectacle, the Screamin’ Eagle Jam is poised to once again become a cherished chapter in Gonzaga’s legacy.