The 2013 Aggies n Poets was a great turn out with a heated crowd. The Memorial Student Union was full to capacity before the doors were open. Hundreds of students stood in and outside of the union impatient and irritated. With the high volume of students and other spectators that came out there was a bit of a riot when the doors did not open at 8:40 pm as stated on the flyer. Patrick Malichi, SGA said, “I had mixed emotions but I am very happy for the turn out, people still are supporting.” Doors did not open until 9:20pm and when they did the crowd went wild with pushing and shoving that led to a lot of people not being able to get in even when they were there 45 minutes prior to the event starting. “The pushing and shoving could have been avoided” said Kaila Tanksley, junior agricultural economics major from Alexandria, Virginia.
The show was based on the Apollo, props that resembled the stage and classic Apollo sign were well put together. The only thing missing from Aggies n Poets was Kiki Shepard . The performances were not only poetry but it was covering all forms of art. Poet B Roc(k) , Kierra McCall , Mariah Harring, Mel and Ishine performed original pieces of poetry, TJ Exum sung a rendition of Maxwell’s “Whenever Wherever Whatever” and Tyler sung a rendition Elle Varner’s “I Don’t Care”. “ I loved it [Aggies n Poets] , was a great experience and I would love to come back. The crowd was very responsive.” Said Mel .
During intermission, students were able to step in front of their fellow student body and show their talent for Kendrick Lamar tickets, Apollo style by singing unrehearsed in front of the live audience.
When the show resumed, Dorian Davis and Samare Sambou, encouraged people to get out and do something they have never done. Davis performed spoken word and Sambou sung a variety of songs over the Wale “Bad” instrumental while doing a cover to various artist including Drake, Frank Ocean, Rihanna and Destiny’s Child. At the end of their performance Davis held up a picture he had been drawing while he was on stage. “The performance was exhilarating. I have never used voice to do spoken word. Thank God for everything that happened tested Samare and I friendship and brought us closer together” said Davis.
- Cora Taft, contributor