By Yeji ShimContributing Writer
The room fell silent, with all eyes on the figure on stage. The performer flipped through a book before finding her place and began to read the poem. A paintbrush moved across a nearby canvas, long strokes and short strokes. Murmurs and applause filled the room after a particularly strong line.
But this was not just an ordinary poetry reading.
Instead the open mic, the poetry and the painting all were part of the Game Room DJ Dance Party at Norris University Center on Friday. The event drew 61 people, most of whom were affiliated with campus enterprise company Hustle Group.
“There are open mics all the time,” said SESP senior Andrew Davis, the event’s organizer. “I wanted to find a way to be different. I got the idea from a movie, and I thought it would be a hit at the Game Room. Painting is left field. No one’s heard of it.”
Party organizers offered ping-pong and billiards, as well as refreshments, for a $3 entry fee. A DJ played live music, followed by the poetry reading.
Hustle Group, of which Davis is a member, served as DJs and also emceed the event.
Weinberg freshman Ricardo Creighton, a member of Hustle Group, said the party was a good idea for the Game Room.
“We want to get more business down here with the influence of the Hustle Group,” Creighton said. “I think we’re succeeding in bringing new and diverse people together. Everyone seems to be having a good time. They’re dancing, playing games, reminiscing or just talking.”
McCormick freshman John Baker said he liked supporting events such as the DJ Dance Party because of the people who attend.
“It’s cool watching people interact,” Baker said. “They’re the few times I do visit the Game Room. People bring out their talents. You get to see who people are besides academics.”
Other students, such as Weinberg freshman A’Daris McNeese, came because her friends also attended.
“I’ve never been to the Game Room before, but a couple of my friends were going,” McNeese said. “It’s a good opportunity to meet new people and have a good time on a Friday night.”
Communication freshman Jordan Looney, who emceed the DJ Dance Party, said it built a sense of unity among the attendees.
“It’s not just an African-American thing, but an everyone thing,” Looney said. “It’s for anybody who wants to come, to have a good time, to mingle with the Northwestern community.”
Reach Yeji Shim at [email protected].
