"I wanted to come for the commemoration, and I like the idea of student activism as opposed to the events of 1970," Fugazi vocalist Ian MacKay said. "The atmosphere surrounding a lot of universities right now is that there really isn't room for activism."

MacKay said he was invited to Kent State by Steve Skovensky, Kent State alumnus and supporter of May 4 Task Force.

"Over the years, I've spoken with Steve about coming here, and he's invited us a few times," MacKay said. "Our schedules just never worked. I just knew that this year we'd be here on May 4."

Skovensky describes Fugazi as a Washington, D.C., band that has risen out of the post-punk period to become a national act with a large underground following.

"Fugazi has turned down headline spots for shows like Lollapalooza," Skovensky said. "They don't do videos or sell T-shirts - it's just about the music."

Fugazi bassist Joe Lally said the band often does shows to support charities and to raise money for causes they support.

"In D.C., all of the shows we play are to raise money for local causes," Lally said. "We would like to be able to improve something in our hometown. I wish we could do it more. One of the great things about being in a band is being able to do something besides play for the people."

Because the ballroom only seats 1,400, task force members and security guards had to turn people away at the door.

"It's a fire code, and I feel bad that we can't let more people in," Skovensky said.

"I'm not surprised of the turnout. It seems like every year, the anticipation is upped, and people realize the importance of activism, the legacy of May 4 and social commitment. Fugazi is one of the strongest and most important bands of our time."

The task force set up an information table that displayed the famous 1970 Life magazine issue with the body of Kent State student Jeffrey Miller on the cover.

They also had T-shirts for sale, pamphlets and photos of student activism from the era.

Mark Kaminski, a freshman graphic design major, said he liked the show but wished it had been held outside.

"I think this is a great show, especially because Ian MacKay is a the leader of the strait-edge movement from the '80s," Kaminski said. "It's too bad that the show isn't outside because a lot of people couldn't get in. I just wish more people were dancing."

The event was sponsored in a joint effort by May 4 Task Force and All Campus Programming Board and co-sponsored by Amnesty International, Lesbian Gay Bisexual Union-Kent, Anti-racist Action and Coalition for Animal Rights and the Environment.