There was an incredible amount of hidden talent revealed to the Stevens community at the Blueberry Jam in Babbio Atrium. The third of its kind, this collaboration by the Audio Engineering Club and the Art Club provided yet another opportunity for students to showcase their skills in areas such as vocal, instrumental, poetic, comedic and other artistic forms. Audio Engineering Club President Andy Waldron stated, “It’s important to have an open field for the arts.” Waldron commented on the diversity of acts at the Friday night event, which successfully attracted vocal, small band, rap, and slam poetry performances. The active Art Club President is Frankie Guarini, however this event was spearheaded by previous club president Julian Chaves.
Off Center’s Zach Kastner and Steven Stand-up Society’s David Orshan were both invited back to emcee the event. The dynamic duo worked the crowd and established a nice pace for the night. Kastner admittedly joked, “I like to think I ran it, but I showed up fifteen minutes after I was supposed to.” Orshan added, “Emceeing was poppin’!” demonstrating his enthusiasm to be involved. Both were responsible for successfully engaging the crowd during set changes, using their comedic skills.
Some chose to share their creativity by playing original songs, including Ryan Klem and Dave Rajput. Both students sang and played guitar, captivating the audience form the beginning. Meanwhile, pianist Adam Gincel displayed his talent with a Legend of Zelda medley which appealed to the Stevens student body. Gincel said, “I practiced two nights before which is short term so I was nervous, but I think the audience liked it.” OffBeat! members Gincel, Robyn Verrill, and Kevin Quigley also made an appearance taking a one-word suggestion of “microphone” from the audience and doing a single song of musical improv. “I was nervous until I was actually there. It just kind of clicked,” stated Verrill.
Notably, Sean Balanon wowed the audience with some deep poetry readings called “Notetakers.” Balanon’s series of poems, carefully constructed about love and heartache, were full of emotion unparalleled by other sets. Equally interesting, X-Phase performed his rap “Juggling.” Small groups such as Waldron, Kelsey Mayhew, and Julian Chavez performed several times including a unique cover of Britney Spear’s “Toxic.” There were also several stand-up bits by Chris Fitzgerald, Matt Colozzo, and Alistair Scott sharing funny and embarrassing stories. Additionally, Ethan Crump began his new style of comedy asking the audience, “So does anyone have a joke?” This call for audience participation paired with a twist of an unfunny comedian put Stevens comedy in a new light. Crump explained, “My friends runs the event and I just wanted to try something that I couldn’t get to try anywhere else.” Clearly, Blueberry Jam was an outlet for students to test new material and different styles with freedom.
Perhaps the most original performer of the night was Sean Kelty. Kelty was accompanied by Waldron on piano for the Erykah Badu song “Call Tyrone.” This edgy act also featured an audience to sing back on top of Kelty’s acting skills and vocals, making it very memorable. Kelty returned to the stage later on in the night for his “Blueberry Slam” act with Jonah Christian. This comedic act played on their dramatic creativity as Kelty clinked on glasses of water and Jonah recited some very interpretational poems. Jonah stated, “I arrive like the Phoenix, white and gold, like this dress,” referencing the recent internet pop culture controversy. While incorporating some absurdity such as asking audience to peel fruits to juice, the act maintained crowd interest and was ultimately very entertaining.
Participant Andy Wiggins noted, “It’s a different name, on a different date, but most of the same acts though.” Although many of the performers were familiar faces, including another special guest appearance by Gabarro, Blueberry Jam welcomed all new sets. People came for the hot chocolate and donuts, but they stayed for the talent and entertainment. It is clear that the Stevens community was very receptive of this third version of the event (previous events include Strawberry Jam and Raspberry Jam). Kastner stated, “I don’t think there could be a next one without me.” Students’ interest indicates that the Audio Engineering Club and Stevens Art Club will hold more events like this in the future.
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