The Marauder Music club held a talent contest Saturday evening in building FA3.
Hosted by music club member Isaac Grejeda, the talent contest featured ten performers from classical guitarists and pianists to rock duos. The contest even featured a belly dancing performance artist.
During the contest, music majors were thrilled to hear an announcement about the return of the Applied Music class which, according to club president Sara Rothenberg, hadn’t been offered since 2009 and is a requirement for an Associate in Arts Degree in Music.
Some highlights of the evening included a particularly soulful rendition of Florence and the Machine’s “Kiss With a Fist” by Melissa de Leon, original songs performed by the rock duo Why Portland? consisting of Kara McDonald and Frank Benitez.
More highlights included an impassioned performance of a Chopin piano piece by Juston Freeman and an energy packed performance of Billy Joel’s “Big Shot” and Elton John’s “Rocket Man” by Luis Echeverria that brought down the house before intermission.
The contest was judged by History of Rock instructor Nate Dillon, Stage Voice instructor Tina Herbeck, and Commercial Music Department advisor Michael McCully.
In a close battle for second place, Luis Echeverria edged out Alvan Robinson. Robinson, performing as AceTheeGreat, livened up the crowd with original rap songs as the final act of the evening.
The contest was won by Marlon Barnes and Brendan Johns. Johns sang and Barnes accompanied on guitar during the duo’s take on John Legend’s “Save Room” and Ginuwine’s “In These Jeans.”
The only drawback of the evening was the stuffy heat in the room, but an almost packed house would not be distracted from the great performances on the stage last Saturday night.
-photo and story by Kevin Michael Kramer
