NEIU's Talent Quest

NEIU held a talent show. More like a lively and multi-genre talent competition open to all NEIU students, faculty, and staff.

On Thursday, September 20, 2007 at 7 p.m., the show kicked off with Chicago Latino comedian Ricky Carmona hosting and introducing the panel of judges, cash prize logistics, and general show information in his personal and high-energy comedic style. Carmona helped to also spice things up a bit with his prize giveaways and t-shirt throw-outs to the audience members. Somewhat un-pc jokes aside, Carmona did a good job at transitioning the acts and killing the in-between time between acts.

The audience itself was a ball of energy as they fiercely voiced their opinions over who they believed to be the most worthy of the coveted winning cash prizes.

The criteria for judging this unique mix of contestants was as follows: Talent, Audience Appeal, Originality, Presentation, and "Other" (that "it" factor that makes one really stand apart from the rest of the competition)

Guys With Drums were definitely a lively crowd pleaser, utilizing audience participation by including one of the panel judges in their live act. Think of Blue Man Group with darkness, glow-light sticks, two gongs, and a few other drums. These Guys were loud, with sirens and intensity. And although Guys With Drums were a great act, there were other local wonders as well.

One of the strongest and most talented acts to perform was not a prizewinner. Yiming Zhang, a student of piano performance nailed a complex and classical piece--Scriabin's Sonata No. 4, 2nd movement. His hands seemed to glide effortlessly and passionately over the keys without missing a beat.

Another noteworthy and overlooked act was the combo of Swarna and Maruthi Satyavolu, both students of computer science. They dazzled the audience with their beautiful Indian classical dance and elaborate costuming.

Also, the rockabilly band Ramrod with their original song Rat Motor was a solid bunch of dudes to rock out to. This group consisted of Emerald Lizards: Jason Adams on bass-student, Chip Medema on guitar, Brian Gay on guitar, and Josh Smith on drums.

A few other special mentions would be a positive rap by the artist Big Taz- student of physical education for his original piece "I'm Not Like You." Big Taz's message was clearly spoken to all the shorties in the audience. Be yourself and think for yourself

Pawel Owca, a student of human resource development turned the NEIU auditorium into a dance club with his original synthesized dance composition "Unbreakable."

Last special mention on the list would be Amelia P. Medina, student of elementary education for dancing her butt off to her one-woman hip hop routine called Past, Present, Future.

At the end of the Talent Quest, the audience was treated to a live magic act by the likes of The Great Frankini, who's ancient Egyptian themed routine complete with assistants, fake rubber snakes, swords, and audience members was a nice last performance.

All in all, NEIU's 2007 Talent Quest was a "smash hit."