CSUMB is a Mosh-free Zone

People who have never been to a rock show might imagine people "moshing" as dancing violently, jumping up and down and deliberately colliding with each other. Those who are unfamiliar might see a rock show as an easy way to get a black eye, though it is not always the case. The safety concern is the same reason the Black Box Cabaret (BBC) prohibits moshing from going on at the BBC.

Edward Sena, senior, Business, the Otter Student Union (OSU) Chair of the BBC said the BBC prohibits moshing because "the students and administration agreed that it is in the best interest of both the students and the university to prohibit any forms of violent dancing."

Though it is true that moshing is basically colliding into each other and injuries do happen, the mosh pit is not the only place you can stand. Moshing only occurs in the mosh pit. Basically a big circle is formed by people, where those who choose to can mosh. Dillon Costello, senior, VPA who attends many shows where moshing occurs said "injury tends to only come from "the [mosh] pit." Stay out of "the pit" and you're fine."

Injuries do occur on occasions and incidents on other college campus have occurred that involved lawsuits. Sena said that "Although there are rare occasions where someone is extensively injured, the OSU agrees that the liabilities far outweigh the need for moshing at the BBC."

The BBC could try a few things to get around these setbacks. They could put up signs saying "no moshings" or warn people of the injuries that can occur with moshing. They could also have students sign waivers or wear wristbands,basically saying that attendees know what they are getting themselves into and are responsible for what happens. Sena said that "Waivers and wristbands cannot completely cover the liabilities the university may face if an accident occurs."

These shows are extremely popular for fans of music in the genre. When metalcore band Parkway Drive played with hardcore pop punk band Set Your Goals at the DNA Lounge in San Francisco the show was completely sold out. Even if the shows do not sell out, most have at least 100 attendees for bands that are almost unknown to the mainstream listener. Having these bands allowed could give the BBC the possibility to make large revenue from concerts.

The BBC prides itself on having a diverse amount of music and events for everyone, but for fans of music with moshing like Costello, right now that is not the case. Sena said that the BBC has "began the transition into programming metal genre concerts." Sena also said that the new Chief Programming Officer for the BBC could work with the OSU coordinator and the administration to make moshing a possibility. Only time will tell if moshing will someday be a part of the BBC.