On August 18, 2026, WriCampia hosted WriChella, a vibrant festival where the songwriting track’s musicians perform their original songs. The singers performed at the soccer field, where excitement buzzed through the crowd. The crescent moon hung in the sky, the atmosphere colorful. Delectable food was served, songs were sung, and not a dull moment passed by.
Some of the talented songwriters described how they felt before they began performing. “The moments before the show,” Wilson R., 14, said, “everyone’s a little tense, and it feels like a family about to do something big together.” In contrast, the audience was bouncing in anticipation, ready for the electrifying night that lay ahead.
Kicking off the show was Middle Camper Alex X, with CITs Julian W. and Akash O. performing a reflective, original song called “Play On.” It described the perseverance and resilience songwriters need to have when creating music, with Alex singing, “Even when the sun is down and the world’s asleep, you gotta keep playing on.” Akash battered the drums and Aaron’s fingers danced effortlessly through the electric guitar strings.
Next, the band In Another Mind, featuring Icarus G. and Nat S, played a song called “Grow Some Teeth.” Both played guitar, though Icarus also sang the lyrics.
Between acts, Malcolm gave a quick speech, saying: “I trust everyone is able to kill it and do a good job.” He spoke with utter pride, telling everybody about how much dedication the songwriters have to their craft.
Mags J. strided onto the stage, an acoustic guitar swung over her shoulder. Before she began singing, she said: “This is a song about my dad.” Everyone cheered, and her friends waved signs spelling “Magspie.” Then the audience listened to her tune called “going, going, gone.” It talked about the struggles and desires of songwriting, a special tribute to her dad’s support.
Up next was the band Literally Anything including Upper Campers Mags J., Vivi S., Hazel N., and Senior Camper Lili S. The song was entitled Greatest Mistake, and the band name emerged from not knowing what it should be called, “so why not ‘Literally Anything’”?
On the stage next was Upper Camper Wilson R., a long-time WriChella performer and a crowd favorite. Cheers erupted as he took the stage, and a smile curved across his face. He then sang “Worldspin,” saying that the song was “about how I see myself and who I strive to be.” By the end of the tune, everyone knew the chorus by heart.
Wilson stayed on stage for the next melody, accompanied by two of his bandmates: Alex P. and Debbie G, “the Bassmaster.” Three Sad Geckos In A Trenchcoat sang “Mad In A Sad Way,” a rhythmic track that had everyone dancing along.
On the stage next was Stricken Strack Struck, a band comprised of Upper Camp artists Ruby C, Hazel N, and Lucy L . The song, “Concrete Hexagons,” was dedicated to Neva, the inspiration for the song. Lucy banged the drums, Ruby strummed the acoustic guitar, and Hazel played the electric guitar. The trio subsequently vocalized their next song, “Metal on Metal,” a song about “the most insufferable person you know.” After the group told them about the song, everyone let out a loud, laughing cheer.
A returning duo entitled Weird Aaron Yankovic strolled onto the stage that comprised of Senior Campers Aaron E. and Hayes S. Aaron had an accordion slung over his shoulder, and Hayes bounced his tap shoes against the charcoal-colored stage. The unique combo of Hayes’ tap dancing and Aaron’s accordion worked beautifully together. They performed “WriCampian Folk Melody Number 2,” a song that may not have had lyrics, but spoke of so much more.
Next up was Weird Aaron Yankovic Extended, and when Aaron announced the name, he shared: “I thought I was going to come up with a different name, but I ended up choosing the same one.” The audience chuckled. The new group consisted of Julian, Aaron, Debbie, and Alex. The quartet sang “Rather Be Bloody,” a rhythmic song that engaged audience members in a brief yet energizing mosh pit.
Up next to rock the stage was Hayes, Pri, and Mags in the new group, Miles Per Hour. The trio sang “Bittersweets,” a song mirroring the trapped, liminal phases of life where everything feels a bit melancholic. Once the melody was over, everyone knew the lyrics and was dancing along.
But, Hayes wasn’t done yet. They next performed a fast-paced, solo song titled “Tormentor” with an acoustic guitar. The tune spoke of themes of suppressing trauma and repression.
Succeeding Hayes, the band Steezy Grass played their anthem called “New Song.” The members consisted of Julian, Malcolm, Akash, and Debbie. Akash battered the drums, Malcolm and Debbie plucked the electric guitar, and Julian harmonized. They also performed the composition “Tribute To Bassmaster,” and “Tribute To Danbee Staff.”
The next group to shock the crowd was Mai Cumulus, a band that consisted of Mai M, Vivi, Lili, and Ruby. Mai, performing on bass for the very first time, sang the song “Solar” with Lili and Ruby accompanying her with soulful vocals, and Vivi on the acoustic guitar. The hopeful and reflective melody had the crowd swaying their hands back and forth.
After Ruby and Vivi excited the stage, Mai and Lili stayed on for a manifested reunion of the famed WriChella duo, Queer Cowboy. As CITs, Mai and Lili were both performing at their final WriChella. The duo began their performance with a song called “Late Shifts” about profound hopefulness in times of sadness and hardship. Their moving performance culminated when they sang a breakup ballad called “Something Simple” with both vocalizing in harmony.
After Queer Cowboy performed, a music group entitled “Lili and Friends” performed a song called “So Be It” that got everyone out of their seats and dancing. The members were composed of Lili as the lead singer, Akash on the drums, and Mags and Hazel on the guitar. By the end of the song, the crowd erupted in cheers.
And finally, the event that everyone was eagerly awaiting had arrived. The crowd cheered with excitement and gathered at the foot of the stage as Senior Campers Cate and Violet, the members of the legendary 2LP, made their grand entrance wearing matching jeans, complementary tank tops, and chic black sunglasses. With the sun setting, a soft glow cast light on their smiling faces. For the past three years, the catchy lyrics, impassioned vocals, and remarkable harmony of the 2 Little Pigs has been a crowd pleaser at WriChella. Now in their final year as campers, Cate and Violet performed both new originals and familiar favorites. Cate and Violet introduced their first song titled “What Was I Thinking” with a call and response: “When we say ‘my god,’ you all say, ‘what was I thinking?’!” As Cate strummed the guitar strings smoothly and the duo began the first verse, the audience was swaying and nodding to the rhythm. By the time they reached the chorus, everyone was dancing and shouting “what was I thinking” with enthusiasm.
Following that stunning opening to their performance, Cate feigned a dramatic fainting, falling into Violet’s arms—the perfect introduction to their next song, “Trustfall.” Violet explained that this song was a special tribute to everyone in Rebecca and Lil’s workshop who has always had their backs. After their second tune, the duo announced: “Some of you may know some of the words in these next songs, so please sing along if you know them!” They began performing a mashup of fan-favorite songs, including “Last Night,” “Lock and Key,” and “Bury Me Next To You.” Once the medley was done, 2LP paid a tribute to their songwriting instructor and mentor, Malcolm Knowles, who stayed “with them every step of the way”. Tears filled the crowd when they exited the stage, leaving Malcolm to speak.
Malcolm ambled onto the stage, gripping the microphone with tear-soaked eyes. His voice cracked as he praised the incredible work of the songwriting track, moonlight illuminating his face.
Wrichella ended with tears in eyes, rushes of happiness, and the foreshadowing of goodbyes. As Rebecca W. said, “As campers grow up and transition from campers, to CITs, and then to graduates, the sadness of change is inevitable. We are all so happy for our kids as they evolve into wonderful young adults—who will hopefully return as counselors!” Even though it is the last year for some performers, WriCampians know that the legacy they have created will never be forgotten.
