theCULTURE

The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Off-campus homecoming events to check out

TANASIA MOSS

Culture Editor tlmoss@aggies.ncat.edu

With the Greatest Homecoming On Earth (GHOE) here, N.C. A&T has week-long events in store to make this year an unforgettable experience. In addition to school events, participating in off-campus activities can make homecoming even more memorable. Here is a list of off-campus events going on this year for homecoming:

Six Stars Entertainment Events

Six Stars is one of the most popular party promotion companies in Greensboro. Known for throwing quality parties, the company has several events planned for homecoming weekend. The main events are the Day Party, Lock Down the Yard, Woods of Terror, and a Final Edition Halloween Party. Tickets are now on sale. You can purchase an all-access pass ticket that allows you to get into multiple events for a discounted price.

NxtLevel Entertainment Events

NxtLevel is a party promotion company that hosts events for mature college students. Most of their events are themed or require a dress code. For homecoming Nxtlevel is having events for all age ranges (18+, 21+,25+ and 30+).The main events to be on the lookout for are the 21+ day party and the GHOE fnale Halloween party. The ticket prices range from $10-20 per event. You can check out their website (ghoe.nxlevelent.com) for the full list of parties they have planned.

GHOE Comedy Show

On Friday, Oct,29, there is a comedy show at the Carolina Theatre located on Greene St. Doors open at 7 pm, and the show starts at 8 pm. The tickets are $40 for general admission. If guests want to be in the VIP section and participate in the Meet and Greet with the performers, the tickets are $75. The package includes a photo and autograph of the comedians. The lineup includes Tyler Chronicles, Burpie, Osama Drankins and Tim Shropshire with Darren Brand hosting.

House Parties

If you’re the person that doesn’t want to pay for any of the club parties for GHOE, then house parties are perfect for you. College students seeking to have a good time with their friends throw parties at various locations. Students share the party location via word of mouth or social media sites like Twitter and Instagram. If you do attend house parties this week please make sure to stay safe and go with a group of people.

Tailgating

With thousands of students, alumni and family coming to GHOE, food vendors are gearing up for the big week. Food trucks will be present throughout the entire week of homecoming. On Oct. 30 there will be a Homecoming food fest at LeBauer Park in downtown Greensboro. Some of the foods included are tacos, fsh, funnel cakes, seafood, fried Oreos and more.

Photo by|Naee Anderson Photo Editor

“Homecoming is the pinnacle of parties for college students,” Jelani “DJ Lani” Jackson said. “It allows us to come together to celebrate our college.”

DJ Lani talks about his DJ-ing journey and homecoming

SYDNEY ROSS

Lead Culture Reporter saross@aggies.ncat.edu

N.C. A&T junior mechanical engineering student Jelani Jackson, known as DJ Lani, is an up-and-coming DJ on Campus.

Jackson’s DJ journey began before coming to college while attending a party with friends in his hometown. Jackson assisted the DJ the entire party and helped him with his music selection. Soon after he was given the opportunity to learn more about the basic skills of DJ-ing.

Quickly grasping onto the concepts, Jackson began to think of ways he too could create his own business and how he could do something he enjoyed.

However, his journey did not start as he had planned. Jackson’s parents were concerned that his passion for becoming a DJ would interfere with his studies.

“When I started, they didn’t want me DJ-ing any parties, and they only wanted me to play clean music,” Jackson said. “I had to show them I am actually good at what I do.”

Gaining support from his parents was not easy. During his freshman year, he worked hard to prove that it is possible to balance school while being a DJ.

“My freshman year of college, they gave me an ultimatum,” Jackson said. “If my grades weren’t A’s and B’s, I wouldn’t be able to DJ at all. So, I came home with a 3.5 [GPA].”

Since his start, Jackson has grown much in his craft. In his early days, he had the help of some relatives that were already professional DJs that mentored him and allowed him to practice on their equipment.

He has since worked at a variety of events such as clubs, birthday parties and corporate functions. He enjoys these experiences, but his favorite is DJ-ing at college parties.

“The college parties are the most fun,” Jackson said. “I really get to express myself and my full creativity.”

With GHOE coming up, Jackson not only looks forward to engaging with the crowds at parties, but he also looks forward to networking with other DJs, hosts and party promoters.

“I know this is the time where every DJ, every party promoter and every host comes together to give college [students] the best experience possible,” Jackson said. “We can always mix alone in our rooms, but until we get that validation from the crowd – that’s the best part.”

As the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge worldwide, Jackson is glad that the university has decided to allow students and alumni to celebrate homecoming in person this school year.

“Homecoming is the pinnacle of parties for college students,” Jackson said. “It allows us to come together to celebrate our college.”

As Jackson continues his entrepreneurial journey, he hopes to bring people joy while doing something he loves.

“DJ-ing is a mental craft that you have to focus on because there is a lot to think about,” Jackson said. “Being able to provide a service and provide enjoyment to a crowd of people that are celebrating being in college is what brings me joy.”