The Moody Center for the Art’s annual community concert event Spring Fling drew one of its largest crowds to date Feb. 28 as an estimated 2,600 people registered to attend, transforming the Moody Terrace into a packed, high-energy gathering that blended the Rice University and greater Houston communities.
Offered to guests of all ages, Spring Fling extends the Moody’s mission to connect people through the arts and demonstrates the lively programming defining Rice’s recently completed arts corridor. The event kicked off with a sunset set from Houston DJ Yorztruly before headliner Raveena took the stage. The DJ set was also livestreamed on Ice House Radio, extending the evening’s reach beyond campus.
By the time Raveena stepped into the glow of the terrace lights, the lawn and surrounding walkways were packed with students, families and longtime fans. Her set featured songs that reflected her blend of R&B, dream-pop and Indian classical influences with attendees singing along and swaying throughout the performance.
For Martin Xie, a junior studying business and art, the evening carried personal significance. As a first-year student, he wrote about attending a Raveena concert in Houston for a writing seminar. This year, he helped design the stage for Spring Fling after connecting with the artist over Zoom.
“It was very surreal and exciting to me that Raveena and her team gave the students a chance and full support to be involved in this special project,” Xie said. “When the concert started, seeing the stage that the students and the AV crew spent weeks planning finally coming alive with euphoric lights, fabric flowing in the light breeze and angelic vocals from Raveena was a moment I’d remember for life.”
The energy extended beyond the stage. Attendees lined up early at the merchandise table, where Raveena ultimately sold out of available items before the night concluded. Throughout the evening, guests also took advantage of exclusive after-hours access to the Moody’s exhibition “Imaging after Photography,” moving between the galleries and the terrace in a steady flow that underscored the event’s seamless mix of art and music. Visitors could also enjoy food on offer from Rice’s housing, dining and hospitality department, which recently relaunched the Moody Cafe.
Spring Fling has long served as a platform for emerging artists following past performances by Madison McFerrin, Kaitlin Butts and The Tontons. This year’s turnout signaled the growing reach of the series and the appetite for accessible, high-caliber live performances in Houston.
Learn about upcoming events at the Moody here.
