And some said there were benefits to a Springfest without inflatable amusements.

"The amusements not being there focused attention on the bands, which is what it's all about," said M. Kate Richey '03, who is secretary of the Finance Committee.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy played to a relatively enthusiastic crowd, which included a healthy number of aspiring swing dancers.

Kleyman said the band did a good job of pumping up the crowd and getting it involved.

At one point, the lead singer of the nine-piece band dared the audience to try to repeat after him the lyrics of a famous Duke Ellington tune.

"It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing," he sang, and the crowd parroted back loudly. Students had considerably more trouble keeping up when the singer began scatting.

But many students' response to the group was lukewarm.

"They're not offensive," said Keith R. Hahn '03 as he helped staff the Radcliffe Rugby Team's Twizzler concession stand and "Panning for Gold" sandbox.