By Matt Clyburn
The first week of each winter semester is dubbed the Central Activities Network “Winter Week” in celebration of various events held around campus. I feel that CAN Winter Week needs some work.
Tuesday afternoon, campus ears were treated to the brooding acoustic sounds of Mikal (artsy spelling of ‘Michael’). For two and a half hours, CCSU was blessed by a performance from the Michigan artist whose website boasts is one of the top U.S. performers under $2500. A decent comedian followed later that night and students were treated to some free food.
After a performance by the “College Dating Coaches” Wednesday night, CAN brought in some free ice cream. Did you hear me? FREE ICE CREAM.
The penultimate night of Winter Week presented an opportunity to dissuade CCSU students from hitting the kegs extra hard during the first ‘Thirsty Thursday’ back on campus. But alas, CAN served up another winner with the “Dinner and a Movie” presentation of Grease. Attendees were encouraged to dress up like their favorite character and hit the dance floor while the film played on the big screen. Suffice it to say, those folks that would dress up in Grease garb and attend the sing-along are probably not those that we need to save from the dangers of binge drinking. Thank goodness food was provided at no charge for all in attendance.
The culmination of our celebration was the second annual SnoBall on Friday, billed as a semi-formal dance with DJ Joey Franchize, and yes, there was more free food. The event shaped up to be sparsely attended given the sheer size of Alumni Hall and attracted the kinds of folks that, well, I wouldn’t be hanging out with on an average Friday night. The evening’s planned climax was an announcement for the infamous Spring Weekend performance; per usual: two artists I’ve never heard of. In the words of one of my esteemed colleagues, “way to go CCSU!”
I’m not normally the type to criticize without offering some pretty sweet suggestions, so here I go, free of charge.
Rather than flying in a self-proclaimed cheap performer from halfway across the country, allow Winter Week to be a showcase for local and on-campus artists to play their music. They would certainly benefit from the exposure, and the events would benefit from the buzz brought by fans of the local fare. Certainly this would be less expensive and would garner a little more street cred.
I believe that a daily sacrifice to the campus event gods in the form of gratuitous greasy cuisine is neither an acceptable nor an effective means of stimulating attendance. If CAN believes that free food adds such value to their events, then perhaps the activities do not have much value to offer students in the first place.
To their credit, the Central Activities Network has invited anyone with something to say about the week’s activities to attend their weekly Wednesday night meetings at 7:30 p.m. I have class during this time slot, but what about you, dear reader?
Surely the Winter Week activities could be improved in the case of higher attendance, quality input, constructive criticism or a student body that cares to get involved in campus happenings. So while I am banished to the opinion pages of our dear old Recorder, you have the voice and attention to make a difference in your campus offerings.
Until then, cheers to the Central Activities Network for trying, but better luck next winter.
