Pride Alliance Presents "Cirque du Drag"

        On a softly lit stage filled with colored balloons and a “Welcome” banner, Mama Toto strutted her way to its center. As Beyonce’s “Freakum Dress” began, “To be or not to be…” all that could be seen was Mama Toto dancing and jumping about.

         In a chocolate colored halter dress, gold heels, and hoops to match, Mama Toto put on her best performance of hyper drag, to an already worked up crowd. Spinning her head and swinging her arms, she dropped her body to the ground and brought it up, never missing a beat.

         With the crowd under Mama Toto’s spell, she ran her fingers through her locks of hair, then sprung her body into a split. As the crowd went wild and students scurried to the stage with dollars in hand, “Cirque du Drag” was now in full effect.

         Hosted by the Buffalo State Pride Alliance, the much anticipated “Cirque du Drag” show took place this Thursday in the auditorium of Rockwell Hall.

         With about 300 hundred people in attendance, students and outsiders alike got to enjoy a free show of Drag where Drag Kings and Queens performed in front a live crowd.

         Filled with lip syncing and dancing, Mama Toto was one of seven students who performed that night, alongside six professional performers from Club Marcella.

         Sasha Nivar, which is her official name, said she was driven to perform after her roommate and girlfriend encouraged her to try out her freshman year. Now a senior and about four performances down the line, Nivar said she truly enjoys performing and thinks the show is great.

“I really like it. I like that it gives people an opportunity to come here and support our fellow students,” said the sociology major.

        Describing her experience as “fun and liberating”, the Bronx native, said the organization of the show and large turnout are some of the things she enjoys most about it.

“I like the organization, the energy, I love the amount of people who come. And that we’re able to perform and be ourselves and have fun,” said Nivar.

         The show, which takes place at the end of the Fall and Spring semester’s of every year, is usually apart of Union Bash, which happens in the Campbell Social Hall.

         However with the Social Hall under construction, the circus themed show was moved to Rockwell Hall, where it provided sufficient space for the large and lively crowd.

         Andrea Tabak, who was in attendance with some friends, said she really enjoyed it.

“I thought it was awesome. I liked the performers and how they got the crowd going,” said Tabak of Cheektowaga, N.Y.

         Melissa Mrozek, who came to support a friend in Pride Alliance, said she enjoyed the show as well.

“All the dancers were very enthusiastic,” said Mrozek of Depew, N.Y.

         The show which lasted a little over two hours, aims at giving insight to those unfamiliar with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community.

         According to the Vice President of Pride Alliance, Zakiyyaah Simmons, the show was created with great intentions of bringing a positive light to those in question about the L.G.B.T. community.

         The anthropology major from Buffalo, said not only was the show open to students on campus, but so is their organization.

         Describing Buffalo State Pride Alliance as more than welcoming, Simmons said students are encouraged to join regardless of sexual orientation.

         As “Cirque du Drag” is among their most popular events held throughout the year, the organization indeed has much more to come.  

         For those interested in Pride Alliance, they can learn more by attending the general interesting meetings Tuesday’s and Thursdays during Bengal pause on the Fourth floor of the Student Union.

U.S.G. & WBNY Present "Karaoke Night"

        With the song list in circulation and the music blasting wall to wall, the retail side of the Student Union took on more of the role a bar, as opposed to a place of dining.
       
        As students filled the tables, all that was heard were the sounds of laughter accompanied by the DJ’s voiceovers and pop tunes playing in the background.
       
        The Union, as it is commonly called, had now become a karaoke bar. And students like Victoria Horecki were determined to showcase their talents, as well as try their hands at a prize.

        Having just a few moments till the show, the DJ started early and introduced Horecki as the first performer. With all eyes on Horecki, she stood in the center of it all.
       
        Singing Evanence’s “Wake Me Up Inside”, Horecki’s voice over it’s tune, filled the air of the once designated dining area.
       
        "Karaoke Night", which took place Nov. 15, was thrown by both the Student Life Committee of U.S.G. and 91.3FM WBNY.
       
        Giving students the opportunity to enjoy a free night of karaoke, by performing students entered to win one of five $15 gift cards for things like Applebee’s and Tim Norton’s.
       

Victoria Horecki Performing "Wake Me Up Inside"

        Ultimately winning an Itunes gift card, Horecki was one of about 30 students who performed that night.
       
        The fashion and merchandise major said that she’d been looking forward to the event and truly enjoyed it.

“I like it. It’s fun. I was waiting for this event,” said the junior from Long Island.
       
        Also performing Evanescence’s “My Immortal“, Horecki said she enjoys karaoke and signs up whenever she can.

“Whenever I can find it, I’ll sign up,” said Horecki.

        However, Horecki wasn’t the only who admitted to regularly taking part in karaoke in her spare time.
       
        Cory Farnung, who also performed that night, said that he’d done karaoke not too long ago with a friend while playing “Guitar Hero”.
       

Cory Farnung Performing "The Real Slim Shady"

        Performing “The Real Slim Shady” by Eminem, the history major said he was pleased to take part in the event.

“I just wanted to be apart of it and spread the entertainment,” said Farnung.

        The freshman from Rochester, also performed Bon Jovi’s “My Immortal”, and in fact went on to win himself a $15 gift certificate for Tim Norton’s.
       
        The event, which has taken place two times prior, usually happens at the end of every semester. Brian McDermott, of 91.3FM WBNY, said the event aims at get students active, and to have good time in the process.

“We just wanted to get students active, and we know people like karaoke,” said the junior from South Buffalo.
       
        As “Academic Inquizition” on Nov. 28 in Bulger North will be USG’s next event, “Battle of The Orgs” on Nov. 29 in Moore Complex Lounge will be the next appearance of WBNY.
       
        In the meantime, “Karaoke Night” accomplished what it had initially set out to do.
Which as McDermott kindly put it,

“We just hope everyone enjoys themselves, and that we get our name out there,” said McDermott.

U.S.G. Presents "Movie Night"

       In a half lit room, students sat arm to arm facing a movie projection on the wall. As remnants of Chinese food and popcorn filled the air, students paid full attention to the images ahead. When the credits passed and the movie began, so did the students. Laughing all the way to the end.
      
       "The Campaign" which starred actors Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis, was shown this Thursday inside the Student Union Game Room. The movie was one of many shown throughout the school year in conjunction with the United Students Government's movie night.
      
       Funded through the student activity fee, the event gave students an opportunity to watch one of the latest movies for free. It also maintained the convenience of not forcing students to leave campus in order to do so. According to fashion and dance major Andrea Wright, this is ultimately the purpose behind throwing the monthly events.

“We try to make it convenient for students so that they don’t have to leave campus,” said the Bronx native.
      
       Wright who’s the assistant vice president of student life, said the event has taken place more than five years, and aims to unite as well as entertain the students.

“We wanted to have a way to entertain students with movies that’s out. That’s why we throw them,” said the senior.

       Where there's usually a big turnout, the 40 to 50 students who seen "The Campaign" were nothing compared to the 80 and 90 who attended "The Avengers" and "The Dark Knight Rises" said Wright.

       However despite the decline in audience, students like Aaliyah White still came out to enjoy the show.
      
       Previously attending movie night, the business major said she’s all for the event and thinks it’s great.

“I feel like they [U.S.G.] do a lot. It’s perfect. Once a month is fine,” said the freshman from Houston.
      
       Camila Gomez whose from White Plains, was also in attendance with a buddy. The freshman said she feels the event is cool as well.

“I think it’s kind of cool that you can watch a movie for free,” said the political science major.
      

Students Watching The Campaign

       Unlike the others, the event included both popcorn and Chinese food that was provided by Chartwell’s. While students like White enjoyed the food provided, the final showing of this semester is approaching.
      
       Sparkle which stars Jordan Sparks, will be shown Dec. 6 at 9 p.m. inside the Game Room. As students are encouraged to attend, it will conclude the fall 2012 semester of the U.S.G. movie night.

"Dames At Sea"

       As the audience waited in anticipation, the lights dropped and the room became black. Sitting in nothing but pure darkness, a spotlight appeared and there stood Raquel de Souza.

       Dressed in grey knickerbockers, a yellow blouse with light grey shoes, Souza stood center stage staring the crowd head on. As the piano began, so did Souza, belting an upbeat tune about the oh so famous Broadway.

       With tunes pouring from two pianos, Souza sung and danced about where she was soon accompanied by three back-up dancers. The ladies tipped and tapped and spun until the Broadway anthem concluded.

       Thereafter, the ladies stood and begun their lines where they complained about the stress and troubles of Broadway. As it turned out, working on Broadway had not been as pleasant as it had seemed.
   
        "Dames at Sea", which is based on the book by George Haimsohn and Robin Miller, is a musical focusing on a young girl's pursuit to stardom. Covering both the challenges and triumphs of working on Broadway, "Dames at Sea" features Raquel de Souza along with a few other students of the school's theater department.
   
"Dames at Sea" about a musical that is shut down and forced off of Broadway due to financial struggles. Ultimately taking the musical aboard, the play features Souza as its infamous lead singer Mona Kent on some nights, and as Chita on others depending on the schedule of the cast.

       Souza, who learned two roles due to the cast‘s rotation, said the variety made preparations that much more interesting as well as give it a professional feel.



Raquel de Souza

“It’s good because you get a professional type of feel. You always have to be on top of your work. Plus it’s always interesting to watch the other person perform,” said Souza.

       Souza, who previously starred in "The Children’s Hour" and "Working", said that despite the month long rehearsals, working on "Dames at Sea" was more than fun.

“I had so much fun. It was the best chemistry with a cast. The trust and fun atmosphere really helped a lot,” said the theater major.

       The musical which puts a comical spin on the challenges and triumphs of Broadway, kept audience members in laughter, with a few stating that it did not disappoint.

“I thought it was spectacular. I loved it!,” said Mollie Ross.

        Ross, who majors in education, said that the chemistry amongst the actors was one of the things she loved the most.

“I loved the chemistry among the actors. The charisma, everyone was so into their parts,” said Ross.

       Adza Beda, who was also in attendance, said she thought the play was comical and fun.

“I enjoyed it. I thought it was really comical. I really enjoyed the face of one of the boys in the play,” said the communications study major.

       Beda also pointed out the fact that she liked how the actors engaged the audience.

“I think it was perfect. I liked that they weren’t afraid to walk up on you,” said Beda.

       The plays, which premiered on Halloween, ran through November 3 and will run again from Nov. 7 to 10 in the theater of the Donald Savage Building. Tickets are on sale both at the Campbell Student Union and Rockwell Hall, as well can be purchased an hour before the show.

What Does It Mean To You?

      Scattered showers weren’t enough to keep students from attending this year’s king and queen preliminaries in hopes of gaining a homecoming crown.

      The preliminaries which were held in the USG Gameroom, gave students an opportunity to showcase their talents to a panel of judges who would ultimately decide their fate. 

       In the gameroom, the contestants individually entered the tryout where they showed their talents to approximately four or five judges, according to Tom Koller. Through things like comedy, singing and dancing the contestants tried to best to prove that they indeed had talent which is what the judges were looking for.

      Inside the tryout room, contestants like Regan McGannon gave it their best shot with high hopes of receiving calls later that evening confirming that they’d succeeded. Pushing them one step closer to the crown and the final prize of $450.00 in money for books.


Regan McGannnon

      McGannon, who performed her lacrosse stick trick, said she was driven to enter the competition after attending it her freshman year. 

“I saw the competition a couple of years ago, and I thought it was fun. I enjoyed it a lot and I wanted to do that for people this year,” said the elementary and exceptional education major. 

      Now a junior, McGannon said she’s extremely proud to be attending Buffalo State College and would be pleased to its’ homecoming queen. 

“It would mean a lot to me because I take pride in being apart of the Buffalo State community. I‘d be really happy and thankful,” said McGannon.

      However, McGannon isn’t the only one who feels that gaining the crown would be great.

      Jennifer Gelormino who did stand up comedy, said she’d not only be grateful for the crown, but for the prize that accompanies it as well.


Jennifer Gelormino

“I believe there’s a gift certificate for books. That would be nice to not have to pay for books next semester, said the hospitality and tourism major.

      Encouraged by her sister to compete, Gelormino believes that among the group she’d make a great queen.

“I have great talent and I’d make a great Queen,” said Gelormino.

      Among other contestants, Khadijat Olagoke also tried her hand at becoming a finalist in the competition. 

Olagoke said that winning the crown wouldn’t only be a great achievement, but show that Buffalo State believed in her.

“It would mean a lot. I feel like this school had put a lot into me and it’ll show that Buffalo State believes in me,” said the first year contestant.

      The double major of political science and spanish, said that ultimately her pride in Buffalo State is what drove her to enter the competition.

“I just have a lot of Buffalo State pride, so why not? I believe in Buffalo State,” said Olagoke.

      The preliminaries which were held last Tuesday, gave students an opportunity to show their skills just days before a final decision was to be made. According to Koller, of approximately the six girls and five guys that tried out each made it to the next and final round. However there could only be two winners who would take home a crown.

      While the ladies were among the many who tried out, ultimately the decision was left up to the judges who’d decide the best suited king and queen to take the thrown. 

The Ink Club Presents "Greeks Speak"

       As the students trickled in, the Ink Club stood center attention of the lecture style classroom preparing to begin their annual Greek Speak event. When all was settled and the room nearly filled, they began by introducing themselves and then welcoming their first opening act.

       As a member of the Alpha Nu Omega fraternity made his way to the front, the audience’s attention quickly shifted and the room grew intense. Facing over a 100 pairs of eyes in a room of silence he began with a prayer, then shared his thoughts with the world.

       The Greek Speak event, which aims to enlighten student awareness of Greek life on campus, gave Greeks an opportunity to express themselves amongst peers.

       Through things like poetry and story-telling, sororities and fraternities took center stage to share their emotionally driven pieces and countless experiences.

       The Ink Club, which is a student based organization, created the event after finding that many students were particularly interested in Greek life.

       Mercy Badmos, who’s Vice President of the Ink Club, said the event was specifically designed to give students more insight into Greek life.

"There’s a lot of Greek life on the campus, and a lot of people who are interested,” said Badmos.

       Badmos believes the event presents a perfect opportunity for self-expression, which is ultimately what the Ink Club is all about.

“People speak through their poetry. It’s a form of expression. That’s what the Ink Club is all about,” said the communications major.

       Kuburat Ibikunle, who’s the Event’s Director of the Ink Club, expressed how she loved that the event incorporated everyone among the student body.

“Because the Ink Club always likes to incorporate everyone, we brought the Greeks out to express themselves. We do not single anyone out,” said the communications major.

       Ibikunle said her hopes are that students will take away more from the event than merely entertainment.

“I hope that people will have more knowledge of the Greeks out there, with all the Greeks coming out,” said Ibikunle.

       The event, which featured Greeks including Iota Phi Theta, Phi Beta Sigma and Omega Phi Beta, not only captured the audience’s attention, but a number of students say they enjoyed it.

“I enjoyed it. It was a little short, but the content was good,” said Diamond Mazelin.

       Mazelin who majors in social work, said for her the best part of the show was a duet performed by members of Iota Phi Theta and Omega Phi Beta.

“I really like the group with the duet,” said Mazelin.

       Philicia Montgomery who was also in attendance, said she felt the event went great.

“I thought this event was very successful given that both FSA and USG were holding events at the same time. I thought they had a good turnout and great feedback in relation to the audience’s reaction and applause,” said the writing major.

       When discussing upcoming events, both Badmos and Ibikunle brought up their much anticipated “Sexclusive” event. As they encourage students to attend, it will also feature a collection of poems and short stories and will take place in Bulger North on December 6.

The S.P.I.R.I.T. Within

       Dressed comfortably in a burgundy tee, light blue jeans and tan boots, Marcus Samerson was at ease as he joined his fellow choir members in prayer before their rehearsal.

       As they stood full circle, eyes shut and hands joined, their prayers for strength and guidance lightened the mood for the challenges ahead. And Samerson whole heartedly embraced it along with the other members of the B.S.C. school choir, as they were all smiles through out the duration of rehearsal.

       Samerson, the 1^st year President of S.P.I.R.I.T.(Students Praising In Rhythm In Truth) has sung on the choir for four years and feels there is more to it than merely singing. He says singing for the choir has not only helped him to further enhance his spirituality, but helps him to deal with day to day issues including stress.

“It helps me to get out stress and drama,” said the double major in electrical engineering technology and technology education.
      
       Samerson is one of the many members who feel that singing for the choir has brought them closer to spirituality, and indeed the choir is a family of it own.

       Growing up in a Christian household, Charlene Browne admits that at one point in college her religion got shaky, but she was able to find her way back and it’s even stronger. Browne, whose now the Vice President of S.P.I.R.I.T., enjoys singing for the choir and believes that what they’re doing is a great.

“Music in general, it speaks for the soul. And when you’re singing for God, there’s a special connection. That’s my favorite part of choir singing,” said the mathematics education major.
      
       She also expressed the fact that she loved the closeness within the group and the family like qualities it held.

“We’re a real big family and we love each other. It’s like home,” said Browne.
      
       Like Browne, Tabitha Wisotzke also mentioned that she strongly admires the closeness of the choir.

“The choir gives you people you can talk to. I hang out with people from S.P.I.R.I.T. and I like that we have the same values,” said the political science major.
      
       Despite only singing on the choir a month, fellow member Lazarus Lynch was sure to express how much he’s enjoyed his experience thus far.

“I’ve loved every part of it. There’s a sense of community, and everyone here loves God and music. Spirituality is a good place for me and I like Gospel music,” said the dietetics and nutrition major.

       Lynch, who previously sung on a choir in Long Island, says that singing for the choir has been more than encouraging.

“The fact that I’m here around other believers I get encouraged. You can lose sight. It helps to draw you closer to your relationship with God, and maintain closeness,” said Lynch.
      
       As rehearsal for their November 10th concert in Rockwell Hall concluded, they were sure to join hands and bow their heads in prayer. The members sung in tune as they sang Israel Houghton’s “Moving Forward” with a few pouring out emotion filled notes in the interim. Subtlety swaying from side to side the group seemed to be more of a family than a choir.
      
       However this family was unified through their love for God, and their values more so than anything else. One thing for sure that the members may agree on is that,

“Loving Jesus is the best choice anyone could make. It’s the best romance ever,” as Lynch said.