The forecast may call for cloudy skies and a cooler climate, but the Student Activities Board’s Spring Fever celebration will not yield to nature’s threats. In addition to the usual array of rides, booths and beer, two separate stages will house the biggest roster of bands in the event’s history.

Beginning at 4 p.m., Saint Louis University’s own Stoked Mobius will kick off the live music on KSLU’s side stage. Known for their solid harmonies and seamless medleys, Stoked Mobius are the proud bearers of SLU talent at Spring Fever. Word is they will even be selling their own T-shirts, a true sign that Stoked Mobius has arrived.

Also supplying his own spin of funky, house music is SLU student and KSLU General Manager Ron Parres. He will assume his role as Ronny Louvre and kick out the best in electronic blips and beeps this side of Ibiza.

St. Louis’ own Earl will christen the main stage with the lovable working-man’s rock `n’ roll that populates the newly released Used album. Earl will be waving the roots-rock flag for all to see around 5:30 p.m.

Back at the KSLU side stage, Chicago’s DJ Nitro will spin high-energy techno jams for the beat-hungry masses on Laclede Avenue. A very special and sturdy platform will house Nitro’s turntables, as he is notorious for his callisthenic spinning techniques. As much a showman as a turntablist, DJ Nitro will provide aural and visual treats for the Spring Fever crowd.

After DJ Nitro, all eyes will be on the main stage for another St. Louis powerhouse, the peerless Nadine. As frequent readers of this section will already now, Nadine is considered by many to be the best band in town. Come see for yourself as they preview new tracks from the forthcoming Strange Seasons and play all of the fan favorites. They played a blistering set for a criminally small crowd at last year’s festivities. Hopefully the later timeslot will garner them the attention they deserve.

Though Nadine will be a tough act to follow, headliners the Gin Blossoms will try their darnedest to win over the SLU crowd. That shouldn’t be too difficult with an arsenal full of songs like “Hey Jealousy,” “Found Out About You” and other early-`90s favorites.

Ever wonder where bands like Train and Matchbox 20 come from? You can thank (or blame) the Blossoms for paving the golden road to modern rock radio heaven for these bands and countless others. While they have yet to produce a new album since 1996’s Congratulations.I’m Sorry, their set on Friday will prove if they still have the golden touch. Just keep the requests for Candlebox and Soul Asylum songs to a minimum, OK?

For all of the booths, games and other superfluous activities that clutter up Spring Fever, the real money is in the live music: It elevates the event from parish picnic to college rock party. This year, amidst the rootsy guitar and synthesized drumbeats, SAB may have found a nice middle ground for the ever-finicky college student.