Live instrumentation filled the Performance Center as students walked in to be a part of the Black Student Union’s event, “Poetry Night Live!”

The night consisted of spoken word performances from many students and music from a live band consisting of Cam Chambers on drums, Cody Maimone on guitar, Andre Neal on bass and Joshua Rouse on keyboard. According to Rouse, it was Neal’s idea to come together and provide music.

“It just started as us jamming on Thursdays, after gospel choir rehearsal. Next thing I know, Dre comes to us and says ‘We should play at the poetry night.’ From there, we were all for it,” Rouse said.

The band was playing renditions of songs falling under the categories of neo-soul and hip-hop. Among such songs were “On and On” by Erykah Badu and “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar. People could be seen nodding their heads to the beat; some getting up and just letting the music move them. Rouse says he believes the band turned out great.

We practiced pretty hard, jamming for like three to four hours a night until the event,” Rouse stated.

Among the people in the audience moved by their peers’ performance was Esther (Precious) Brown, a sophomore majoring in social work.

“I thought that the event was really successful. A lot of people came out and showed support. It was a great opportunity for students to express themselves on stage in front of an audience,” Brown said.

The event was diversified in a sense that everyone expressed his or her individuality. Everyone had a different thing to speak about, whether it was love, cultural identity, or struggles in life. Among the poets was Neal, who performed two poems, one of them engaging the audience.

“When I’m on stage performing, whether it be an instrument or speaking, it gives me a sense of relief. At the end of the show, people left with something from each poet, including myself,” Neal said.

As every performer ended their performance, there were some claps, snaps, and shouting to indicate the audience’s reaction to the poem. Such reaction to each of these performances gave a feeling of unity among the audience and the poets. Neal says he hopes that feelings like this are around more often.

“There was unity and really good vibes on stage. I could see it. I wish that this will be an event that happens every semester, or events that feel similar from Women United and BSU.”