The University of Maine's female a capella group Renaissance doesn't typically end their shows with a stomp-and-clap tune that spells out the word vote. But last Thursday night, at UMaine Rocks the Vote, the music in the North Pod of Memorial Union served a purpose: To encourage more UMaine students to hit the ballots.

The evening kicked off with an introduction from the night's host, Matthew Small, and launched into a performance from the Maine Steiners, UMaine's male half of the a capella equation. They opened with Fuel's "Shimmer" and continued for a half-hour set that was energetic, melodic, and full of their trademark stage antics. Both the Steiners and Renaissance featured new members.

Renaissance took the stage next and invited original Renaissance member and candidate for re-election to the Maine legislature, Emily Cain. Renaissance closed with Carrie Underwood's "Wasted" before indulging the audience with the vote chant, one of the night's highlights.

After the a capella portion of the evening, candidates for local and state offices came on stage and were introduced by Matt Small. Among the political candidates were Democrat incumbents Rep. Emily Cain, Sen. Mike Michaud and Sen. Elizabeth Schneider; Jean Haybright, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate; Riley Donovan and Lance Cowan, Republican candidates for Maine House of Representatives; Patrick Joyce, Republican candidate for state senate and Alex Hammer, Independent candidate for Maine governor. Small introduced individuals who represented other candidates, including Pat LaMarche, Green candidate for governor and Republican incumbent Sen. Olympia Snowe.

Informational booths were set up around the edges of the North Pod with pamphlets and informational sheets available to students. Participants were also able to register to vote at the event, and attendance reached between 300 and 400, according to Gabrielle Berube, a member of UMaine's UVote organization.

"Rock the vote was a great event," said Elizabeth Schneider, who is seeking re-election as District 30's state senator.

After the candidate-oriented break, Portland rockers As Fast As started their set, balancing out the stage with handlebar mustaches on both the lively lead guitarist and bassist. The band admitted they brought no prepared set-list and accepted multiple audience requests, the first being an early shout-out for "Something Fierce." Lead singer, keyboardist and guitarist Spencer Albee manned a ukulele for a few songs, including a loudly-sung-along cover of Radiohead's "Creep." The band showcased their dynamic, original sound for over an hour.

"We haven't played at Orono in a while," said Albee. "These events can be kind of barren, but this was a really happening event tonight." The band praised the audience throughout the night, throwing in a few plugs for voting, as well.

Local jam group Jack's Wild closed the evening. The entire program was ahead of schedule, so the group was able to play earlier than expected. They jammed out as the crowd continued to die down, playing originals as well as a cover of Neil Young's "Keep on Rocking in the Free World."

"Rock The Vote was a success. The students, performers, and candidates pulled together to make a great show with a really responsive audience," said Abbey Greslick, director of The Frequency. UMaine Rocks the Vote was the modified version of Thursday night's usual Frequency show.