BHR x Bsu Classroom concert 10/25/23
All photography by Pearl Creative.
The Blue Hawk Records x Black Student Union Classroom Concert DID NOT disappoint! The joint club concert event was put on by the BSU e-board led by our Music Alliance secretary and BSU president Asad Whitehead, the BHR president Abby Garcia and Blue Hawk Studio president Mike Viani. Other partners included WMCX, Versatile Arts and Entertainment, and The Sound Initiative.
Taking place in Monmouth’s Plangere Center, the impressively dynamic R&B and Rap performances from our own BHR members: Kid Ace, UMÉ, Double G, and Shek undoubtedly shifted the atmosphere of the room. I, yours truly, Amani Lillian, had the pleasure of performing as well and I had the best time! It only made me more excited to share my passion for music when I have the BEST friends/peers encouraging me. Also, it was so cool to spread awareness of BSU to the campus community.
“The feeling was so surreal. It was only my second time performing but to take your time creating art and seeing the way people react to it and how it makes them feel, that feeling is unmatched.” — Shek
“Throwing the classroom concert has been something I’ve been wanting to do for a while here at Monmouth. I think that everyone came together easily and put in a lot effort to make the event successful. Professor Ferg helped out a lot and it wouldn’t have been possible without his help! From an artist’s stand point, the crowd was very energetic and I think everyone there caught the vibe as soon as they walked in the classroom. From the lights, to the shirts, everything was just spot on and I couldn’t be more proud of my e-board!”
— Asad Whitehead (Kid Ace)
“It was so great to see our community come together to showcase culture within music. Being that POC haven’t been as represented with performances like these at Monmouth, I’m proud to have been on stage for something so special. I think it’s an exciting time for people that look like me here and I’m thrilled to see where we take it next.”
— Justin Ume (UMÉ)
“The BSU concert was amazing, I loved everything thing about it! The thing I loved the most was how many people interacted with every performer, there was a lot of love for everybody, from everybody. Can’t wait to do it again, hopefully real soon!”
— Gabe Garza (Double G)
Other members of BHR and BSU also engaged in impromptu performances, including Azure Kai, Micheal Anthony Rocks, Kiumbura, and more! It was a night of dancing, singing, and a celebration of friends — so much so that you quite honestly forgot you were in the communications building and not a concert venue!
Special thanks to Mike Viani for producing this event, Milan Amina for hosting, and Professor Ferg for orchestrating.
Written by Amani Lillian