2008 Woodie Awards
Valley Festival Showcases Real Talent
The sixth annual Fine Arts Festival shines at the Main Stage Theater.
Nayibe Gulesian
Issue date: 5/12/04 Section: Valley Life
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Valley College's Sixth Annual Fine Arts Festival brought fresh talent to the Main Stage Theater Friday. It was a chance for one to show off a range of performing arts, from opera singing to piano playing, from choreographed dance moves to the pounding beat of a rock band.
"I want students to appreciate the art," said music major Theresa Garcia, who delightfully sang two songs, one with her group, the Theresa Garcia Band. "I don't think students know the enormous amount of talent we have on campus."
The festival also attracted students from other schools such as CSUN's Ryan Bruemmer, who wrote the comical short film, "All in a Day's Work."
Produced by Joseph Ort, the film depicted a busy day at a Starbucks, including two attempts to steal the tip jar, leading to a hilarious chase scene.
When a film wasn't being shown the red curtain opened onto a stage where performers danced or sang to the accompaniment of a sign language interpreter. In between acts, DJ Tony Valdez turned the tables adding a hip hop soundtrack to the event.
Some performances clearly moved the audience. Zendra Mitchell presented Alicia Keys' soulful ballad, "I'm Nothing without You" in sign language.
"This performance was different. It really made me think about the words," said Santa Monica College student Charnai Daniels.
Other inspiring performances included Frank Ceballos Sr.'s rendition of "O Solo Mio." ASU President James Brevard also moved the audience with the reading of two poems written by former ASU councilmate David Muñoz.
"If people have a talent they shouldn't be afraid to show it," said English major Danny Vale. "It's a beautiful thing." Vale cited the performances of singer Rain Boe Wane and pianist Jean Charles Gooden as his favorites. Vale, a professional dancer, showcased his dance group to the nearly full house.
Stepping away from ballads and dance routines, comedian Chris Gerrad's stand-up comedy act shook laughter out of many people.
This celebration of art, according to ASU Fine Arts Commissioner Maggie Hasbun, hopes to pique the interests of students and to open the door for undiscovered talent.
"I hope this festival inspires people to get more involved in the arts," said Hasbun.
"I want students to appreciate the art," said music major Theresa Garcia, who delightfully sang two songs, one with her group, the Theresa Garcia Band. "I don't think students know the enormous amount of talent we have on campus."
The festival also attracted students from other schools such as CSUN's Ryan Bruemmer, who wrote the comical short film, "All in a Day's Work."
Produced by Joseph Ort, the film depicted a busy day at a Starbucks, including two attempts to steal the tip jar, leading to a hilarious chase scene.
When a film wasn't being shown the red curtain opened onto a stage where performers danced or sang to the accompaniment of a sign language interpreter. In between acts, DJ Tony Valdez turned the tables adding a hip hop soundtrack to the event.
Some performances clearly moved the audience. Zendra Mitchell presented Alicia Keys' soulful ballad, "I'm Nothing without You" in sign language.
"This performance was different. It really made me think about the words," said Santa Monica College student Charnai Daniels.
Other inspiring performances included Frank Ceballos Sr.'s rendition of "O Solo Mio." ASU President James Brevard also moved the audience with the reading of two poems written by former ASU councilmate David Muñoz.
"If people have a talent they shouldn't be afraid to show it," said English major Danny Vale. "It's a beautiful thing." Vale cited the performances of singer Rain Boe Wane and pianist Jean Charles Gooden as his favorites. Vale, a professional dancer, showcased his dance group to the nearly full house.
Stepping away from ballads and dance routines, comedian Chris Gerrad's stand-up comedy act shook laughter out of many people.
This celebration of art, according to ASU Fine Arts Commissioner Maggie Hasbun, hopes to pique the interests of students and to open the door for undiscovered talent.
"I hope this festival inspires people to get more involved in the arts," said Hasbun.
