BSU Talent Show Helps Haiti

Nineteen performing groups gathered in the Center for Faith and Life Feb. 28 to share their various talents with an audience of over 650. Students and faculty members shared a memorable night appreciating the entertainment of the Black Student Union Talent Show.

According to the Diversity Center, the talent show was established by the BSU in the 1970s to showcase cultural expressions of African and African-descended students on the Luther campus.

BSU President Josh Patterson (‘11) encouraged all who were interested to audition and hoped to raise awareness about the conditions in Haiti.

“BSU always aims to give back to the community,” Patterson said.

In years past, money from ticket sales went to various charities. This year, all proceeds went to Doctors Without Borders, an international medical humanitarian organization. Doctors Without Borders focuses on providing aid to people whose country is affected by catastrophe.

BSU member and Activities Coordinator Cindy Sakyi (‘12) advertised the talent show during fall semester and proceeded with auditions.

“We would have liked to take everyone who auditioned,” Sakyi said. “[Unfortunately] we needed to get it down to an hour and a half show.”

Judges and members of BSU met as a committee to decide which acts best exemplified diversity. Acts were rated on a scale of one to five depending on quality and what they had to contribute to the show.

“We chose acts based on fluidity and whether they promoted cultural identity,” Patterson said. “We were really happy with the turnout.”

Several well-known Luther groups such as Haiti Relief, Ethnic Beats, Beautiful Mess and Arashi Yosakoi found the BSU talent show to be a valuable opportunity to demonstrate their efforts.

Sally Jungblut (‘12) has performed at two consecutive BSU talent shows, each time as a member of the Japanese dancing group Arashi Yosakoi. She was excited to share a different kind of dancing, which utilizes modern and traditional techniques.

Jungblut enjoyed the experience.

“I kind of have a longtime love affair with Japan, and I want to take every opportunity to show what I can do,” Jungblut said. “It’s also fun performing with friends.”

With regard to the talent show, she noticed several differences this year.

“Well the audience was bigger and more energetic,” Jungblut said. “And we were more orderly in our acts.”

Angela Kratchmer (‘13) played viola in an all-first-year performance of “The Swan of Tuonela” and agreed that the talent show was full of energy and encouragement.

“It went really well,” Kratchmer said. “I think it was one of our best times playing the piece through.”

As a music performance major, Kratchmer was proud to represent Symphony Orchestra members.

“It was a good experience,” Kratchmer said. “I’d definitely consider doing it again.”

During the show and between performances, emcees updated the audience on the living conditions in Haiti. Afterward, t-shirts were sold for $15 a piece as another contribution toward Haiti relief.

The CFL is booked in advance on a yearly basis to ensure the continuation of the BSU Talent Show. This tradition has proved to be a tremendous influence upon the community. Based solely on the volume of the audience, it was clear that students and faculty found the event enjoyable as well.