Archive for the towerlight

Improv performances? I like it

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , , on October 8, 2009 by cvalenzuela

The Towerlight had a pretty interesting article earlier this week about the jazz division of Towson University’s music department. They started a series of concerts based primarily on improv. So basically, a performer gets on stage, takes his/her seat, and just starts playing their instrument at their heart’s content.

Anything can happen. Whether it be a horrible dud or complete brilliance. And I love it.

Don’t get me wrong. I can appreciate music that’s been well-rehearsed and the musicians that have worked their butts off to make their performances as perfect as they can possibly be. But, the idea of raw, uncensored music just makes my mouth water.

It makes me think of freestyle rap. Everything that comes out of a freestyling rapper’s mouth is pure.

They think about what they’re going to spit out for a millisecond before they actually let it out. There’s nothing to think about. It’s all about disproving doubt. It’s kind of like a boxing bout. Except in this case there’s no loser, nobody will actually pout. I’m sure someone will probably shout. But, the most important thing is what the music is all about.

Err, sorry. I got a little carried away with this topic, my friends. But wait, what was the whole point of this post again?

“I guess we can settle for Lupe”

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , , , , , on September 24, 2009 by cvalenzuela

Towson University’s student newspaper The Towerlight announced earlier today that hip-hop artist Lupe Fiasco will be headlining at this year’s homecoming. He’ll be taking the place of rapper Wale and R&B/pop singer Keri Hilson who backed out of their scheduled appearances a couple weeks before the concert.

Apparently they each had better things to do. Although, I don’t blame Wale’s reasoning. I’d most definitely rather take a spot on Jay-Z’s tour than do a concert at some university (no offense TU).

I went around campus and asked some students about their reactions after hearing about this sudden change to the homecoming concert. Some of them didn’t even know about it until I asked them. Here are their mixed reactions:

Anthony Lavino (senior): Whattt? Lupe’s coming? Very nice. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I like Wale and all, but Lupe’s been around longer than him. He’s more established. Lupefiasco

Kevin Robertson (junior): I’m pretty disappointed. I’ve been a fan of Wale for a while now. He’s from D.C. and so am I. It’s kind of rare for a rapper coming out of D.C. to actually be successful like him. I was hoping to finally check him out in concert. Oh well, I guess we can settle for Lupe.

Ashley Jameson (senior): I like Lupe Fiasco a lot. I’m glad they were still able to get a pretty big name in short notice.

Dan Womer: I don’t care, I hate rap.. and I don’t even go here.

Jennifer Beasley (junior): Awww man! I love Keri Hilson! I wanted her to come!

It looks like there are some signs of excitement, disappointment and overall apathy (thanks Dan) about the change, but I think overall everyone is content that there’s still going to be a concert happening at homecoming.

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