WERW Launch Party 2025: Featuring The Army, The Navy and Grace Ferguson
Article by Herrick Swirbalus, University Union Editorial Board
Staff Writer | Photo by Josh Chun
On Saturday, November 7, student-led radio station WERW hosted its fall semester edition of Launch Party. The event was held in the Schine Student Center Underground and featured headliner The Army, The Navy, with student opener Grace Ferguson. WERW held the event in collaboration with University Union, Jerk Magazine, and Crossroads Collective. Each student organization was tabling and had a range of merchandise for the attendees. With the addition of the four student vendors offering an extensive thrift selection, the entire Schine Underground was bustling with shopping, music, and community.
WERW has been throwing Launch Party since 2012, and since then, it has grown into a biannual tradition that celebrates the student body’s love for music. As a student-run organization, WERW always focuses on getting artists that students actually want to hear. This year’s headliner of The Army, The Navy was no exception, pulling an eclectic group of student fans to fill the Schine Underground.
To capture the audience, WERW assigned the opening slot to student performer Grace Ferguson. A familiar name in the Syracuse University community, Grace has been performing on campus for years, previously as a part of the acclaimed duo Luna and the Carpets. Grace was joined on stage by fellow student musicians Ollie McKay on guitar and Nancy Dunkle, another established SU musician, on backing vocals and accompanying guitar. She played a set of beloved originals and even threw in a cover of Gracie Abrams’ “That’s So True,” a pop anthem the whole room could sing along to.
The Schine Underground was buzzing with excitement for The Army, The Navy’s set, and they did not disappoint their fans. To the delight of the audience, they played a setlist full of fan favorites. This show marks The Army, The Navy’s first show in the U.S. since April, which made the night even more special for fans. The Army, The Navy delivered a concert experience like no other Launch Party headliner, making the night unforgettable for the audience.
Photo by Josh Chun
To accompany the amazing music selection, the WERW staff took it upon themselves to transform the Schine Underground into an interactive space for all students. With a selection of information booths, games, and vendors, the audience was kept busy between sets. Jerk Magazine’s thrift hall was full of hidden gems to sort through, and University Union handed out merch from their events this semester. The student organizations are what truly make these events come to life. Coming into the packed concert space and seeing organizations like Crossroads Collective, University Union, Jerk, and WERW all offering their services to the students helped make a great night. Run by students, they all contribute in different ways to bringing the Syracuse community together. Launch Party was a perfect example of this community. WERW outdid themselves!
