Bearstock 2025 started and ended with a bang as hundreds of Mercerians gathered on Cruz plaza for springtime fun, food and music.
The festival kicked off strong as Mothafunka, an eight-member Mercer student band, brought the funk to Cruz Plaza. Mixing classic R&B, jazz and rock, their high-energy set had the crowd hooked from the first note. Students danced and sang along to hits from Kool & The Gang, Earth, Wind & Fire, Silk Sonic, David Bowie and Frank Ocean.
The vibe was undeniably funky, setting the perfect tone for the night. As the set came to a close, lead vocalist Kiah Shealy '26 took a moment to thank the audience, urging everyone to hold on to hope during “dark times in the universe.”
QuadWorks also provided a varied selection of food trucks and freebies. Students treated themselves to delicious food provided by local food trucks that served Tex-Mex, hibachi and BBQ cuisine. $5 Fall Line beer was also available.
A number of free items were also provided, with Live at Lofts giving out hats, stickers, keychains and blankets. Those with a sweet tooth were in luck, with lots of goodies to sample, including free samples from Pinky's Shaved Ice, Macon Baking Company and Alumni Edible Cookie Dough. There was even a temporary tattoo bar featuring Bearstock tattoos, allowing attendees to display their Bearstock spirit.
Following Mothafunka, the next set featured DJ OHNOHEDIDNT, who kept the ball rolling with a seamless blend of 2000s pop classics and modern hits from Lady Gaga and Charli XCX.
His infectious energy had the crowd hyped, dancing and singing along, building anticipation for the night’s headliner.
The excitement reached new heights when Neon Trees hit the stage, delivering a wave of early 2010s nostalgia with crowd favorites such as "Animal" and "Teenager in Love," and from their latest album, "Sink Your Teeth," the song "El Diablo."
The crowd was on their feet, dancing and singing along to the band’s signature pop-rock energy. Neon Trees also treated the audience to newer tracks, keeping the momentum strong throughout their set.
The fun continued as inflatable dice bounced through the crowd, with students chaotically batting them around between songs, adding a carefree, playful element to the evening.
The mood briefly took a turn, however, when an attendee experienced a medical emergency during the performance. One student tried to film the situation, but the crowd and the band quickly responded, booing the student away in solidarity with the person in need. Event staff acted swiftly and professionally, ensuring the individual received the care they needed while the crowd remained supportive.
Neon Trees' lead singer Tyler Glenn quickly regained the crowd's attention following the incident, praising Mercer students for standing up for one another and calling each other out.
As the night continued, energy peaked when the band played a section Chappell Roan’s "Pink Pony Club," sending the crowd into a frenzy with its catchy, playful vibe. Students couldn’t get enough as the night’s electric atmosphere continued to grow.
Neon Trees lead singer Tyler Glenn raises his hand to the crowd duing his Bearstock set.
For the grand finale, Neon Trees closed the show with their 2012 hit "Everybody Talks," a sing-along anthem that had the entire crowd dancing and echoing the iconic chorus, capping off an unforgettable night.
Bearstock 2025 delivered on its promise of music, fun and community. From Mothafunka’s soulful start to DJ OHNOHEDIDNT’s pop throwbacks and Neon Trees’ nostalgic finish, the night was filled with unforgettable performances and moments that will be remembered for years to come.
Priyanka Yagneswaran ’25 is a Neuroscience student at Mercer University minoring in Chemistry. As the Arts and Culture editor, she covers and coordinates reporting on different cultural events happening in Macon and in the general art and music scene. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to music and brewing espresso.
