Skidmania Fall 2026
The Department of Music is pleased to announce the fifth annual Skidmania, planned for November 6-7, 2026 at the Arthur Zankel Music Center. Celebrating the music of 50 years ago, and fueled by the talent and imagination of Â鶹ĆĆ˝â°ć student musicians, Skidmania '76 will offer an exciting and inclusive bill of music and musicians, with all proceeds to charity. Auditioned student acts will present creative twists on familiar music, as well as straight-up tributes--all based on selections from the music of 1976. Song ideas, audition guidelines, and schedule are described below.
Eligible Songs
Any music from 1976 is eligible for audition (though see exceptions, under Audition Guidelines, below). Some noteworthy eligible songs include “More Than a Feeling” (Boston), “Turn the Beat Around” (Vicki Sue Robinson), “Don’t Fear the Reaper” (Blue Oyster Cult), “Right Back Where We Started From” (Maxine Nightingale), “Silly Love Songs” (Wings), “Blitzkrieg Bop” (Ramones), “Somebody to Love” (Queen), “Crazy On You” (Heart), and many more wonderful possibilities! Further song ideas may be gleaned from and other sources. Some particularly promising selections include:
- “Blitzkrieg Bop” (Ramones)
- “Don’t Fear the Reaper” (Blue Oyster Cult)
- “Love and Affection” (Joan Armatrading)
- “Still the One” (Orleans)
- “More than a Feeling” (Boston)
- “Life in the Fast Lane” (Eagles)
- “Sofrito” (Mongo Santamaria)
- “Rhiannon” (Fleetwood Mac)
- “Takin’ It to the Streets” (Doobie Brothers)
- “Darlin’ Darlin’ Baby” (O’Jays)
- “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” (AC/DC)
- “Enjoy Yourself” (The Jacksons)
- “Fly Like an Eagle” (Steve Miller Band)
- “Together Again” (Emmylou Harris)
- “Somebody to Love” (Queen)
- “That’s What Friends Are For” (Deniece Williams)
- “Making All Our Dreams Come True” (Cyndi Grecco)
- “Silly Love Songs” (Wings)
- “Still Crazy After All These Years” (Paul Simon)
- “Do You Know Where You’re Going To” (Diana Ross)
- “Afternoon Delight” (Starland Vocal Band)
- “You Should be Dancing” (Bee Gees)
- “Turn the Beat Around” (Vicki Sue Robinson)
- “Play That Funky Music” (Wild Cherry)
- “Harvest for the World” (Isley Brothers)
- “More than a Feeling” (Boston)
- “Disco Inferno” (The Trammps)
- “Crazy on You” (Heart)
- “Saturday Nite” (Earth, Wind, and Fire)
- Einstein on the Beach (Philip Glass)
- “Sophisticated Lady” (Natalie Cole)
- “Something He Can Feel” (Aretha Franklin)
- “No Sympathy” (Peter Tosh)
- “Disco Lady” (Johnnie Taylor)
- “After the Dance” (Marvin Gaye)
- “Right Back Where We Started From” (Maxine Nightingale)
Audition Guidelines
Calling all Â鶹ĆĆ˝â°ć students: take the stage for this historic musical event by submitting a video audition (see below)!
- We seek a diverse, inclusive mix of musical selections and student performers.
- We seek high-quality performances in a wide variety of styles and interpretations.
- Songs should be chosen from the music of 1976. See above for suggestions and resources; see below for two off-limit selections, to be featured in rousing finales.
- It is strongly recommended that any audition ideas be first vetted by Floydd Ricketts, so as to confirm eligibility and minimize any duplicate selections.
- We wish to accommodate as many acts and performers as possible. Long songs and solo acts may be subject to additional scrutiny in this regard when selecting the program.
- The following finales will be reserved for our faculty house band, The Skidmaniacs,
but student vocalists are invited to audition for featured solos:
-
-Billy Joel, “New York State of Mind”
-Stevie Wonder, “Sir Duke,” “I Wish”, “Knocks Me Off My Feet,” and “As”
-
Important Dates
Interested students should confirm availability for the following. Note that academic responsibilities always take precedent; students should never ask their professors for special dispensation regarding extracurricular activities such as Skidmania.
- September 30: auditions due for finale vocal solos only (“New York State of Mind,” “As,” “Sir Duke,” “I Wish” and “Knocks Me Off My Feet”). Submit 1- to 2-minute audio by email.
- October 1: regular auditions due by midnight. .
- November 4: 4:00-9:30 soundchecks (15 minutes per act, TBD)
- November 5: 6:00-9:00 dress rehearsal (acts are needed only for their slot, TBD)
- November 6 and 7: Skidmania ’76 performance (call time 7:15; show at 8:00)
Questions or Comments
Questions about song selection, the audition process, or anything else that’s on your mind: contact Floydd Ricketts.