Current Release: April 28th, 2009 | Vol. XXX Iss. 10

Photo by JACI DOWNEY

Showtime at Batten is a disappointment

By Mary Toves & Susie Shupert

Applause echoed through the stands of the Convocation Center this past Saturday when Wesleyan Activities Counsel’s Dana Smith announced the winners of the first-ever “Showtime at the Batten.” The dance group Ladies of Zion came in first place, Grind City Entertainment in second and singer Maria Jacovidis in third. Much like its parodied counterpart, the talent was judged by applause at the end of the night. By the end of the night, however, most seats in the Convocation Center were empty.

The event was slated to start at 7 p.m., with a quick introduction by Ty Northam, director of main stage. DJ Chris Scott provided music, while WAC members scurried around the venue attempting to get things in order.

7:15 rolls around: the crowd is waiting in anticipation for the show to begin. 7:30, a few audience members begin to leave… 7:40… 7:45…

“It’s a Wesleyan event. Did you think they’d to be on time,” asked sophomore Heatherton Rogers.

After nearly an hour of delay, caused by both technical problems with the sound equipment and shear tardiness of the talent, Virginia Wesleyan’s first ever Showtime at the Batten began. Host of the evening Leon Taylor arrived in a white tailored suit, complete with matching fedora. He received a warm applause from fans in the audience, bantering back and forth with those near the front row.

When the first act, Christian rap group Peso Cash, hit the stage the screeching sound of feedback invaded the speakers. Powers along with lighting technician Josh Brown attempted to take care of it but problems with the sound equipment lasted throughout the night. During their set, Peso Cash rapper C-Note lost all audibility in his microphone. He dropped his microphone on the ground, and let his band mates continue without him.

Sound problems became more and more apparent when the rap group Grind City Entertainment took the stage. The act brought more than 15 people onto the stage, clad in matching black t-shirts. Not all of them were members of the band, however. To alleviate the cover charge for non-students, Grind City Entertainment members allowed their entourage to wear their uniform and join them silently on stage. Two people filmed the act, cat-walking back and fourth, blocking the audience from the performance.

The third act, comedian J-Marvelous began by impersonating Arabians, rappers, white people, and Bill Cosby. When that didn’t work, he chose to harass audience member John Ahigian.

“He based his act on making fun of people,” said sophomore Maria Jacovidis, “it ruined people’s time.”

Ahigian grew angry with the comedian, and the two exchanged insults.

“I’m not done yet,” said J-Marvelous.

“Yes you are,” shouted Jacovidis.

The number of people in the audience dwindled as the night continued. Between the acts there were long pauses filled with awkward (and sometimes lewd) bantering between the intoxicated talent and the audience. Some of the acts took up more time than they were allocated.

The time headliner, Ardie Fuqua, finally arrived, but over half the crowd had left.

“There were about thirty people in the audience,” said junior Danielle Dunmoodie. “Grind City Entertainment and everyone else.”

Fuqua’s act won over the audience, and a few people who were looming in the hallway came back inside.

The event budget was over $1,400, and Main Stage charged performers $15 to enter. It featured 9 different acts, including both VWC students and non-students.

“It was a trial run,” said Powers. “We learned a lot of things, both negative and positive.”

The Wesleyan Activities Council will host the second Showtime at the Batten on Saturday, October 29th.

“I was impressed with the student performers,” said junior Candice McCracken, who attended the event. “I look forward to a more successful event next month.”