Tommie Fest 2017 concluded with a lively performance by Ben Rector, a contemporary pop singer/songwriter.

Rector’s set included songs of his own, as well as classics such as “ABC” by the Jackson 5 and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston. Proving to be a versatile musician, Rector sang while playing multiple instruments during the show, including keyboard, guitar and cowbell.

Rector received a negative response from the crowd when he assumed that the school year was over for St. Thomas at first, but he made up for it by dedicating his next song to students.

“I dedicate this to all you finals participants,” Rector said. “This is a song called ‘Almost Home’ and you’re almost home.”

Before Rector began his song “Forever Like That,” he randomly chose first-year Jake Sexton out from the crown.

“Jake, you’re my man,” Rector said from the stage. “Find someone to slow dance with.”

Sexton obliged, and danced with U of M first-year student Peyton Ordner.

“I thought it was a good opportunity to fix my singleness,” Sexton said.

However, Sexton and Ordner are currently just friends.

“She wishes,” Sexton said.

Not all, however, were pleased with Rector or the choice of music for this year’s spring concert.

“I felt like it was too cookie-cutter pop music for me,” said sophomore Noah Nordengren. “I feel like there are a lot of other musicians that are doing what Ben Rector does.”

Nordengren listed artists Lorde or Ed Sheeran as suggestions for next year’s event.

“Even Weird Al would be perfect,” Nordengren said. “I think a lot of people would see him.”

Solveig Rennan can be reached at renn6664@stthomas.edu