Performers strive for perfection during showcase
The audience at Common Ground’s Hip Hop and Rock Showcase might have put their underwear on Saturday morning without much thought.
However, once the show began, the topic was hard to ignore.
Flint senior Darryl “Martel” Hardy performed his original song, “What Color Panties?” as a part of the third annual talent show in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium.
Hardy, one of 13 acts during the night, said he performed to promote his solo album, which could be released as early as October.
He said he wasn’t satisfied with his performance.
“I always think I could do better,” Hardy said.
The Hip Hop and Rock Showcase featured mainly dance and musical numbers by a variety of groups from Central Michigan University. The Saginaw Valley State University Dance Team also performed.
Satara Holliday, Belleville senior and Common Ground president, said she was pleased with the turnout of nearly 200 people.
“We had a week to promote, (but) I think the crowd was good,” she said.
Common Ground opened and closed the show with original dances to a diverse selection of music.
“I think we did well, but of course, like any dancer, you can always improve on things,” Holliday said.
Dione Monday, founder and Harrison Township alumna, also performed a solo hip hop tap dance for the delighted crowd.
Several groups had religious themed routines.
Divine Order Gospel Choir and Victorious Vessels of Praise performed songs and dances with Christian overtones.
“There were a lot of different things. The choir was a good addition,” said Eddie Spencer, Muskegon junior and forward on the men’s basketball team. “It’s nice to get a little gospel here and there.”
Onsted freshman Ashley Forche danced with CMU’s competitive pom club.
She said the group was thrilled to contribute to the showcase.
“We like performing here at the school, to support CMU,” Forche said. “When Common Ground invited us, we were excited to come and perform with them.”
