Opulent Observations: Empathy, Social Justice, and the Arts

Colin Ahern - Opinions Editor

At6 p.m. on April 6, the doors to the Centennial lobby opened. Students and professors passed the gates that were closely guarded by the arbiter of drink tickets. From here, these patrons found themselves at the heart of the Bishop’s poetry community. Bands sold merchandise, interviews were held, writers sold books, and a raffle of epic proportions was held. This event was hosted by Dr. Shoshannah Bryn Jones-Square in collaboration with the poetry group Wit and Whimsy. By 7:15, the doors to the theater were open, and the show began.

The evening featured seven poetry readings — six by students and one by Dr. Jessi MacEachern of the English department. The BU Dance Club performed, as well as five musical groups from on-campus and beyond. The poetry discussed topics from sexism to politics to self-discovery. The night was ablaze with poetry that challenged the status quo and demanded individuals to look within themselves in order to grapple with these ideas.

The musical performances featured both new performers and familiar artists. First year sociology student Markayza Mitchell performed Emeli Sandé’s,“Read all about it, Part III” which instantly had the crowd hungry for more. First year music student Emmett Tinning, head of the religion, society, and culture department, Dr. Daniel Miller, and student Isabelle Quimper all gave stellar musical performances that left the audience hoping to see these wonderful musicians again at the next event.

After a short intermission, Montreal-based band Saxsyndrum took the stage by storm with powerful soundscapes by members Dave Switchenko, Nick Schofield, and BU student A.P. Bergeron. The band performed live for the first time in two years, and received overwhelming applause for their commanding stage presence, high intensity, and rhythmic style. The band’s unique presence and obvious chemistry made them a delight to listen to.

After the final intermission, the main event took place. Ontario band Partner, who had travelled from Montreal to perform at the event, took the stage and played tracks from their album, “In Search of Lost Time” as well as a few singles like, “Fear that Closes the Heart”. This post-classic rock band had students and professors dancing in front of the Centennial stage by their second song. Partner expressed their deep gratitude to play for Bishop’s and showed it through their killer guitar riffs, flawless basslines, and perfect drumming. After completing their hit song “Play the Field”, the band left the stage, only to be brought back out for an encore. Needless to say, this was a unique event that Bishop’s will not soon forget.

After Partner’s encore, Dr. Jones-Square took the stage and thanked everyone for coming to her event. She received flowers from her co-organizers and a standing ovation for her work. After the show, many performers came back to the green room and got Partner to sign merchandise from T-shirts to guitar picks, immortalizing this unforgettable event.