by Holly Cuozzo ’12

In the season of anticipation for the end of school, one event seems to be on the minds of every junior and senior: prom.  Beginning as early as middle school and possibly even elementary school, students increasingly learn about the big night of the high school experience and that someday it will be their turn to attend. But what to do when another rite of passage for teenagers—a music concert—falls on the same exact day? This is the dilemma facing many juniors and seniors this coming weekend.

Prom this year is on Saturday, May 21, which also happens to be the day of both Chili Cook-Off, a rock concert sponsored by DC 101.1, and WMZQ Fest, a country concert held by 98.7 WMZQ.  While this final stretch of the school year should be a stress-free oasis before exams, this scheduling conflict forces students to make a potentially tough decision.

“I’m disappointed [about the overlapping events] because I think [prom is] going to be an amazing event. We do have a lot of people still coming to prom even though there will be concerts that day as well, and we hope it’ll be a big turnout. I do understand though why people want to go to the concerts seeing as I’ve been to Chili-Cook-off. They are so fun! But I think prom will be even better,” said Ashley Calkins, a junior class officer.

Prom has always had the reputation of offering music, dancing, fancy dinners, limousines and other such novelties, but for a pretty hefty price tag.  Meanwhile, this year’s Chili Cook-Off features Weezer, Seether, Papa Roach, Panic! At the Disco, the Neon Trees, Paper Tongues, Middle Class Rut, Gates Open, and—rumor has it—a recently scheduled appearance by Mumford and Sons.  WMZQ Fest features Jason Aldean, Eric Church, the JaneDear Girls, Steel Magnolia, and Sunny Sweeney—an assured good time for country music fans.

This year, prom will be held at the Hyatt Hotel in Bethesda.  The tickets are $55 for prom and after-prom, which will be held at Longwood Recreational Center, is free.  Both events were organized by the junior class officers, who have put in extraordinary amounts of effort in order to make Prom 2011 enjoyable for all students.

“I believe the best part of prom [is] being able to cherish a great experience with someone who will enjoy it as much as you,” said junior Victor Mercagliano.

Chili Cook-Off will be held at RFK Stadium in Washington DC.  Tickets are about $35, and the concert features music that appeals to most rock or alternative music fans as well as some cleverly-named chili and other tasty delicacies such as hot dogs, chicken fingers and lemonade for the not-so adventurous eaters.

“I would have liked to go to prom as well [as Chili Cook-Off] but the events happened to be on the same day and I couldn’t do both,” said senior Joe Zerafa who is attending the Cook-Off concert, “[but] prom is a lot more expensive and I’m not a fan of tuxedos.”

WMZQ Fest is another event on the minds of students—particularly those with an ear for country music.  The event will be held at Jiffy Lube Live in Virginia and tickets range from $125 to $570.  Tickets are still available through the station in various opportunities for listeners to call in and win as well.

“I thought about going to prom, but I thought that WMZQ [Fest] would be more fun because I would get to see [Jason Aldean and Eric Church] live,” said junior Madi Elie. “The best part of WMZQ [Fest] is spending time with your best friends while listening to relaxing country music.”