Campus Chronicle

Issue date: 5/4/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Erica L. Turner Hurricane Chris

Day 26

On April 4, 2009, The Student Government Association hosted its annual Spring Concert in the Davey L. Whitney Complex.
This year, security was very tight. Attendees were only allowed access by swiping their Gold Cards. And once the card was swiped, one could not leave the building and gain readmission. Even a journalist had a hard time persuading the officials to gain readmission to replace a faulty camera. Doors opened to the gymnasium floor around 7:30 p.m. Before the concert began, a live band played jazz-inspired renditions of modern-day songs such as John Legend's "Ordinary People".
Another issue at this year's Spring Concert was the restriction of going backstage. No one was allowed backstage. That rule even applied to media and SGA members.
"I understand the security measures to protect our celebrity guests. They were just doing their job." said SGA President-elect Ryan Martin, a junior English major from Port Gibson, MS. "Hopefully, I (and the SGA cabinet) will be able a meet and greet for the concert next year."
At 8:15 p.m., the concert's D.J. played a variety of fast-tempo songs to get the audience of anxious students prepared and excited for the first act. Alcornites showed off their dancing skills to the "Electric Slide" to the "Bird Walk". As the crowd grew restless around 9:33 p.m., the MC of the night introduced Hurricane Chris to the stage. With "swagger" and an electric personality, Hurricane Chris ran onto the stage with his hit, "Hand Clap". At that point, the 200+ in attendance went wild in response to the Shreveport-based rapper. Hurricane Chris also performed "Playas Rock", "Rollin' Like an 18-Wheeler", and "Ay Bay Bay". He closed with his current single, "She's Fine (Halle Berry)". He also announced that he will be filming the video to the hit song in the near future.
Next, Jackson-based R&B group Recognition took to the stage. Their set began with their backup dancers seductively dancing to slow jams. In result, the concert's female population screamed with chaotic frenzy. The duo sung their well-known songs such as, "Never Find a Girl like You". They also cover some classic soul staples.
Spring Concert also featured local students as act. Singers such as Portia and Jackie serenaded the crowd with their soulful renditions and original material. Portia, who was tastefully adorned in zebra print, had members of the Interfaith Gospel Choir as her backup vocalists. There was also a local rapper who performed some new material to the audience.
After an hour of waiting, Bad Boy Record's recording group Day26 graced the stage and was welcomed by a legion of screaming students. Day26 are widely known for being apart of the hit reality TV show, "Making the Band 4", which airs on MTV. The group performed their hits such as, "Imma Put It on You" and "Since You Been Gone". During their performance, one of the group members removed his sweat-drenched shirt and throw into the audience. Many females proceeded to get the shirt in mid-air, even some almost fought. Ironically, the person who ended up with the garment was a small boy.
The concert ended around 11 p.m. with the performers taking some time out to take pictures and sign autographs with some of the students. The concert resulted in most of the still-excited crowd dispersing into cars and heading towards Sonic's drive thru to alleviate their hunger after dancing, screaming and everything in between.
"I think it was a great concert. I was surprised to see the turnout of the attendance. Hopefully next year will be the same. "Martin concluded.

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