Creativity in all its forms was present during the third annual Artist Showcase hosted by 107.7 WFCS The Edge in Alumni Hall at the Student Center on March 26.
Taking place as a Devil’s Den event and co-hosted by the Fashion and Design Club, the showcase was an opportunity for all forms of art to find their community.
From numerous clothing brands such as Ripped Jeans, CCXVI, Royal Lifestyle and S3R3N3TY offering unique and fresh pieces available for purchase, to artists like Zajah Divine giving a peek at her one-of-a-kind designs, Kitoko Blooms showing that crochet creations have no limitations, Tommykinz transcending skin by translating tattoos into traditional prints, and Chris and Webster drawing caricatures for anyone in attendance, there were no barriers to participation other than creativity.
The general manager of WFCS, Hilberto Depena, said the event was a chance for the culmination of artists to be celebrated.
“We try to aim for as much diversity as possible … we know for a fact that people around here are interested in obviously doing music and being creative, but then also again try and give them a space to be able to promote themselves when it’s hard to do so in a small state compared to others,” said Depena.
With the event premiering with a comedian, Taylor Doyle, the Artist Showcase grew from having musical talent at the forefront but has expanded to include all aspects of the arts.
“This year, when we included a previous staff member and graduate, Taylor, her being the first comedian that we’ve had for the event, it was another way of diversifying even further because now it’s beyond music, it goes more into the arts itself,” Depena said. “The phrase ‘celebration of the arts’ is definitely what this year’s showcase was meant to be. Every year I would always describe it as the celebration of arts in its different mediums, whether it be music, art, that’s why we had vendors, that’s why we have people doing their thing dancing, comedy, music, having people sell things whether that be clothes, whether it be their own personal art pieces, anything you can possibly think of, we wanted to try to incorporate them in the showcase.”
The night began with Doyle giving a witty and relatable performance, easing the audience into a night filled with rhythm and bass.
The duo Paauron kicked off the music portion with a synchronized number, leaving the audience guessing whose voice was whose. The harmony of the act transitioned to a solo performance by Ron Marq, who embodied the “entertain” in entertainer with his high notes accompanying theatrical dance moves.
Javør slowed the pace of the night with smooth and very real bars, offering the audience storytelling from the soul. The melodic performance had listeners feeling the weight of his words as they reverberated through the venue.
With the introduction of CCSU’s Pep Squad, the mood immediately shifted as the tempo of their choreography not only raised the BPM of the music but also the heart rates of everyone in the vicinity. With each move emulating the essence of hip-hop, the methodical and cohesive performance had the audience hyped.
Continuing the momentum of the Pep Squad, 2/14, a rock band from the tri-state area, filled the hall with boisterous chords that felt as if they were going 120 mph. From the energy of the band, a mosh pit formed in front of the stage, with the space filling in an instant. Audience members shook the ground beneath them in response to the aura emanating from the stage. Earplugs were supplied to every table as a pre-emptive measure by event organizers.
Artemis transformed that energy to empower the women of the crowd with her 2000s-reminiscent sound. With a track list that sounded like it could come from a Beyoncé discography, her confidence on stage had the crowd waving their hands side to side and singing along after hearing her lyrics for the first time.
A fitting end to a talent-filled night, Keon Riveur offered a sobering performance that showed nuanced understanding and a comforting compassion for the words that left his lips. In collaboration with his DJ, Antonio, the two allowed space between the music and the audience’s ears to appreciate and blossom.
Aside from the musical performances or traditional forms of art, McCray Footwear Service was offering shoe cleanings and the option to purchase customized sneakers, Victoria from Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority Inc. hosted a bake sale with proceeds going to Girls Inc., and the JSB Gallery showcased expressive experiences through visual and wearable art.
Being the third installation in the series, Depena said he’s optimistic about the future of the event.
“This year, particularly, was the best yet,” he said. “I’ve heard so far that there have been plenty of people who were impressed with the event and the scale of it. I want to keep it going and improve even further. While there are always going to be hiccups, overall, that’s fine, as long as we get as many heads as possible coming in, looking around and thinking, ‘Oh, this is what the radio station on campus is doing for the local scene and for the community.’”
