The Jumbo Jay mascot is an iconic symbol of school spirit at the University of Kansas. Jumbo Jay is a blue jay bird character that represents the university's athletic teams and is highly visible at games and events. The mascot is known for its vibrant blue feathers and energetic personality. Jumbo Jay first made its debut in the 1970s and has since become a beloved figure among students, alumni, and fans. The mascot is not only seen at sporting events but also makes appearances at campus activities, pep rallies, and community outreach events. The name "Jumbo Jay" is a playful nod to the blue jay's large size and its connection to the university's Jayhawk mascot.
The name "Jumbo Jay" is a playful nod to the blue jay's large size and its connection to the university's Jayhawk mascot. The combination of the two mascots represents the university's fierce competitiveness and commitment to excellence in athletics. Jumbo Jay's role extends beyond just entertaining the crowd.
In Conversation With #222 - Witch Fever
Witch Fever’s debut album culminates in what the band like to call “full rage mode”. Since their formation in 2017, the Manchester quartet have had a reputation for making riff-heavy, lyrically furious music that consistently bursts out of the confines of one genre.
First meeting through Manchester’s close-knit alternative music scene, Witch Fever – Amy Walpole (vocals), Alex Thompson (bass), Alisha Yarwood (guitar) and Annabelle Joyce (drums) – have spent five years making gains within an industry that still skews overwhelmingly male when it comes to punk. Their raucous on stage presence, followed by last year’s Reincarnate EP has seen their sound develop in intensity as well as scope.
They took a moment to talk to us about how the album came together.
Hey there Witch Fever - how are you? So your album is out now - how does it feel to have it out there in the world?
Alex: We recorded the album a year ago so it feels great to finally get the tracks out to the world! We’re very excited to see what people's favourites are.
It is called ‘Congregation’ - what is the meaning behind that?
Amy: The word congregation often holds religious undertones and a big part of the lyrics on the album are about taking the kind of language that I (Amy) grew up around at church and turning it on its head so it gives me the power. We’ve performed gigs for years in front of our own kind of congregation and community and it felt fitting to tie all the songs together under that word.
Where was it recorded? Any behind the scenes stories from the creative process you are happy to share with us?
Alex: We recorded it at Blank Studios in Newcastle with Sam Grant. We had a really quick turnover so we recorded all of the tracks live and we also didn’t use a click. We actually finished writing Blessed Be Thy whilst in the studio as well.
What are the key themes and influences on the album?
Alex: A lot of the tracks are influenced by Amy’s upbringing in a church, and also Amy’s influence from horror films and books. Musically we all have different influences that include hardcore, post punk and grunge which kind of mash together to create our sound! Mostly we are influenced by ourselves and what we enjoy playing live.
If the album could be the soundtrack to any film - which one would it be and why?
Amy: Carrie - I can relate to Carrie as a character. I enjoy the religious themes and see Carrie as a bad bitch who’s oppression and rage that she experiences finally bubbles over into supernatural powers.
Do you have a favorite lyric on the album - if so, which one and why?
Alex: My favourite lyric is, “crushing popcorn kernels underneath my knees, to feel closer to the trinity" on Blessed Be Thy. I really enjoy the delivery of the words but it stems from when some people pray they are encouraged to be in discomfort to feel closer to god.
Now the album is out there - what next?
Alex: We’ve already started writing album 2! Expect us to sound more atmospheric and also heavier than ever before. We’ll also be doing lots and lots of touring so catch us in a city near you!
For many years during the 16th century, the market place in King's Lynn was the scene of public executions of alleged witches. The most famous execution was of Margaret Read, who was found guilty of witchcraft in 1590 and burned alive. Legend has it that whilst being consumed by flames, Margaret's heart jumped from her body and hit the wall opposite, leaving a permanent burn on the brick, which is still marked today.
The mascot plays an important part in creating a sense of school spirit and unity among students and fans. It sparks enthusiasm and excitement, fostering a supportive atmosphere for the university's teams. The Jumbo Jay mascot is often seen performing entertaining routines and dances during halftime shows and breaks in the game. Its energetic performances, along with interactions with the crowd, help create a lively and engaging atmosphere for everyone in attendance. Overall, the Jumbo Jay mascot holds a special place within the University of Kansas community. It embodies the spirit and pride of the university's athletic programs and serves as a symbol of unity and support for students, alumni, and fans alike. Its vibrant presence adds an extra level of excitement to games and events, making it a cherished figure within the university culture..
Reviews for "The Impact of Jumbo Jay Mascot on the Fan Experience"
1. Sarah - 1/5 - I was extremely disappointed with the Jumbo Jay mascot. The costume looked old and worn out, and it definitely did not resemble a jay at all. The colors were faded, and you could barely tell what animal it was supposed to be. The performer inside the costume also seemed disinterested and lacked energy. Overall, it was a letdown and not worth the hype.
2. Mark - 2/5 - The Jumbo Jay mascot was just okay. The costume looked decent, but it seemed like it could use some improvements. The feathers on the head and wings were not well-defined and came off as cheap. Additionally, the movements of the mascot were stiff and robotic. It didn't create much excitement or bring much entertainment to the event. It definitely could have been better.
3. Emily - 2/5 - I was really excited to see the Jumbo Jay mascot, but it turned out to be underwhelming. The costume itself was fine, but the performer inside lacked enthusiasm and interaction with the crowd. It felt like they were just going through the motions instead of truly engaging with the audience. The interactions were generic and not memorable. I expected a more lively and engaging mascot experience.
4. David - 1/5 - The Jumbo Jay mascot was a complete disappointment. The costume was shabby and looked like it hadn't been properly maintained. The colors were faded, and the feathers were falling off. It was clear that not much effort had gone into making it presentable. The performer inside also seemed uninterested, barely moving and not attempting any engaging interactions. It was a waste of time and money.