Move-in Mayhem is my tongue-in-cheek tribute to one of the Pioneer Valley’s busiest and most colorful traditions: the annual UMass Amherst student move-in. Every late August, Route 9 and 116 overflow with cars packed to the brim, families juggling boxes, and students starting fresh adventures.

This song captures the traffic jams, the closed roads, the laughter, the stress—and the energy that comes when tens of thousands of new and returning students breathe life back into the Valley. From early check-ins to the official rush between August 27 and September 1, “Move-in Mayhem” tells the story in a playful, folksy way that locals will recognize instantly.

I recorded it with the spirit of community in mind: a mix of humor, observation, and a bit of empathy for everyone stuck in those long lines of cars. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or a Pioneer Valley resident bracing for the annual gridlock, this one’s for you.

UMass Move In Mayhem

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UMass Move In Mayhem

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