The Blue Man Group did not compete in NEIU’s pirate-themed talent show (unless they were out-of-disguise and performing as a college rock band), but they were there in spirit alongside “Guys With Drums”, whose glow-in-the-dark, audience friendly percussion earned them first place and $1100.
Each act was given up to four minutes to impress the judges by merit of talent, audience appeal and presentation. This year’s panel of judges included Student Enrichment Programs Coordinator Flora Llacuna, student Clyde Mcleod, Director Scholarships and Retention Michelle Morrow, recording engineer Neil Young, and concert coordinator Steve Zivin.
None of the judges were dressed in pirate regalia, nor was smarmy master of ceremonies David Pasquesi of Second City, who made it clear that he is sick of being told that he looks like Adrian Brody. His acting career has included parts in Strangers with Candy, Common Law and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Pasquesi spent time between acts attempting jokes amongst hecklers and answering audience questions. When asked by the Independent what it was like to work with Larry David, he said that David “is smart” and moved on.
Noteworthy acts included sociology student A.J. Sacco’s well-received magic rope trick accompanied by self-deprecating commentary. While cutting apart lengths of string, he said, “I know what you’re thinking, and no, my parents aren’t cousins …. You’d be surprised to know that I have a girlfriend.”
Singers included Erick Lockhart, a music education student who performed a song entitled “I Need You”, and Stephen Cattouse, a CCICS staff member. Cattouse sang an original and standard-sounding R&B-style love song entitled “Lost in Your Eyes,” accompanied by a projection of History Channel watermarked footage of 9-11, Nelson Mandella, pole vaulting, tropical paradise, hot lava, missiles, the earth exploding, and images of Jesus and Satan.
A number of dancers performed, including NEIU’s swing-dancing Scooter Bal Club, sociology student and clogger Rebecca Inlow, anthropology student and ballerina Tracy Damitz, and second-place winners Non-Stop Productions, a hip-hop dance group headed up by student Andrew Phan.
Third-place went to pianist and music student Yiming Zhang for his performance of Chopin’s “Etude Op. 10, No. 8”, which was performed with gymnastic fingers and calm grace.
Honorable mention was taken by faculty member Sylvia Myintoo’s violin performance with a partner of “The Devil Meets Johnny.”
Aside from the loot awarded to winners, pirate booty was distributed in the form of Coca-Cola t-shirts.
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