Gustavus’ Courtyard Café is often a center for all kinds of events. The Café has hosted musicians, famous and renowned speakers, and many student-organized events. On Thursday, Nov. 6, beginning at 8:30 p.m. and running until 9:30 p.m., the second annual Junior Jam showcase filled the Café and the Campus Center with music and other talents from the members of the junior class.
Junior Jam was an event that allowed Gustavus juniors to showcase their talents and all students were welcome to attend. The junior class officers hosted the event and provided snacks and hot chocolate. Juniors who wore their “Class of 2016” shirts were able to enter a drawing to win a $15 Chipotle giftcard.
“As class officers, we’re supposed to hold events specifically for our class,” Junior Health Fitness and Communication Studies Major Emily Marquette said. “We thought this would be a great way to showcase some of the talents in our class.”
“We did it last year and it was a great success, so we decided to bring it back,” Junior Psychological Science and Scandinavian Studies Major Britta Johnson said.
Students were then able to vote for their favorite performance on the Gustavus Class of 2016 Facebook page and Twitter.
Religion Major Angela Donofrio and Health Fitness Major Christina Swensen performed two songs and won first place in the event. Sociology and Anthropology Major Michael Quinn performed multiple songs and played guitar, winning second place. Dark Matter Theory, a group composed of students Micah Marshall, Will Scott, Micah Hoye, and Kevin Larson, performed and won third place.
“I enjoy performing,” Quinn said. “It was an opportunity to present a skill or hobby of mine with hopefully positive feedback. As a musician you take any opportunity that you get.”
Political Science Major Lisa Slaikeu performed a version of “Say Something” by A Great Big World that she had tweaked. Slaikeu also played piano during her performance.
“As someone who has abilities in multiple instruments, I thought, ‘Why not perform?’” Slaikeu said. “If you have a passion for music or an awesome talent, don’t be afraid to share it,” Slaikeu said.
Junior Jam gave students the opportunity to present their talents and to help themselves get started in the world of performance.
“It’s a good launchpad,” Quinn said. “No one’s hyper-critical.”
This year’s Junior Jam hosted a variety of performances. One group, Tyler Bishop, Sam Endres, David Anderson, and Ben Bonser, performed a song from the movie The Hangover. The event was open to any kind of talent beyond musical. The junior class officers were happy with the turnout and hope to see the event be just as successful in the future.
-Kim Krulish