Shapadooah: Sweet send-off

SPU’s end of year festival brings music community and good vibes

Emilia Bishop, Social Media Editor

May 15, 2025

Clover at a recent performance. The group will perform at Shapadooah.

As the school year winds down, excitement for one of Seattle Pacific University’s traditions, Shapadooah, is building. Held on Friday, May 16, Shapadooah will transform the Ross Parking Lot into a Pacific Northwest music festival. Students can expect live music, food, merch, and a vibrant community experience. This year’s musical acts include The Greeting Committee and SPU’s own Clover. Food will be provided by Dick’s burgers and drinks by Monster.

First held in the early 2000s, Shapadooah has grown into an annual celebration of music and community. In the earlier years it was more of a fair or carnival, with a variety of side attractions in Martin Square. Now it is much more centralized as a concert experience.

“I remember Shap’ in 2017-2019 feeling more like a carnival,”assistant director of the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, Kevin Deschler said, “There were more student performers back then, but we still feature at least one SPU-related band each year.”

The Covid-19 pandemic led to a pause from 2020-2022, but the return in 2023 allowed for a restart to rethink how the program could look.

Deschler has overseen Shapadooah since 2022 and sees the event as a reflection of the student leaders behind it.

“In 2023, the students wanted a summary, pool party vibe. This year, it’s more rustic and chill,” Deschler said. “The student chair sets the tone, and we build the event around that.”

This year’s student chair is Arthur Li. Li hopes that everyone has a good time and that the weather is great.

Student Emily McEhlron said “I’m so excited to hear the music and have Dick’s burgers with beautiful lights up. It’s a free-flowing event with some amazing talent. Very folksy.”

Beyond the music, Shapadooah is a time for students to breathe, connect, and celebrate the end of the academic year.

“I love seeing everyone take a breather from school work and actually relax in cute fun outfits and enjoy the music,” McEhlron said.

The show Friday will continue the tradition, offering music, a good time, and hopefully lots of smiles.

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About the Contributor

Emilia Bishop, Social Media Editor

Emilia is a senior studying communications with minors in journalism and entrepreneurship. She is intrigued by marketing and the usefulness of social media in growing an audience. When not working for the Falcon she can be seen playing basketball with the SPU women’s basketball team, at Fellowship of Christian athlete meetings, or working for the school athletic department. She also enjoys trying new food and coffee places, reading, and making new friends.