CPP students create space for local music community
By Christian Magdaleno and Bryan Doan, March 25, 2025
Packed inside the historic Fox Theater’s main lobby and second floor, fans danced, moshed and rocked out to the 10-band lineup that concluded with a collaboration between the CPP Mariachi Ensemble and Inland Empire-based indie rock band Integra Pink March 22.
Cal Poly Pomona music industry studies students united the local indie music scene in the second annual “It’s Not A Phase” festival.
Concertgoers enjoyed a wide variety of genres throughout the lineup from hardcore rock to alternative rap to punk, encapsulating the explosive energy brought by the do-it-yourself music community.
Rachel Boell, the talent acquisition and event manager at the Fox Theater, said festivals like “It’s Not A Phase” play an important role in supporting the local scene.
‘“It’s Not A Phase’ has really showed up for the community,” Boell said. “They’re a service to our locals. … There’s just something so magical about DIY. It comes from within. It’s not even about the money.”
Lunavine, fronted by festival organizer and lead singer Andrea Herrera, kicked off the festival with an alternative sound and melodic vocals blending multiple genres such as reggae, ska and indie rock.
Herrera said her role as an organizer and performer gave her a unique perspective into how to work with different bands and how different genres could collide, while still feeling cohesive.
“Getting to know all the bands has been really cool,” Herrera said. “From a marketing perspective, we learn a lot about what each band has been through.”
Principios Humildes, a Sierreño band that CPP music student Alessies Avina was a member of, also performed. Their set brought a regional Mexican sound to the lineup, adding cultural depth and expanding the festival’s musical range.
Despite being students, the team of organizers brought in real-world experience. Many have interned at various music venues and worked on live shows across Southern California.
Even as the organizers graduate, they remain committed to keeping the festival alive, growing it each year and hoping to continue building a space where music, community and creativity can thrive.
“The most rewarding part is seeing people have a good time and seeing the artists enjoy themselves,” Boell said “If the venue, the artist, the promoter and the audience are all in sync, that’s a successful event.”
Feature image courtesy of Bryan Doan
