Dolores Vil
Staff Writer
Broward College’s South Campus Arts, Humanities, Communications and Design Department (AHCD) continues to pump out diverse events held on campus.
While attending Voices: Open Mic, the talents BC students are gifted with were seen and heard for 2 hours in the early afternoon. From vocals to drums, the crowd was appeased.
The Voices: Open Mic series was originally created by Professor Richard Toumey from South Campus English Department during the Festival of Music, Film, Literature and Art.
The torch was then passed on to Erika Neff. Neff is the Director of Cultural Affairs and Student Engagement (CASE) for South Campus.
In addition, Neff is responsible for curating and executing art and cultural events for the arts, humanities, communications and design pathway.
She said, “being able to make a positive difference in students’ college experience is what inspires me to keep working hard [offering] quality programming. Seeing students immersed in artwork, talk to their peers, professors, learn from artists and guest speakers is what makes the work worthwhile.” Her passion for the field is shown greatly throughout each event.
Brandon Sanders hosted the Open Mic and was accompanied with live music by The Soulful Sessions Band.
Heads turned immediately as the guitarist held his first note; conversations ceased and destinations were changed to focus on what was to come.
Ian Chambers was the first to step up to the mic and get the show on the road.
One student stopped doing her homework to watch Chambers as he recited his love poem; that student being his girlfriend. The site was a treat to watch as she looked on embarrassed but loved.
The crowd laughed and giggled but were in awe at the display of romance.
Sanders and Soulful Sessions hyped the crowd and each performer with a round of applause and a rhythmic beat to set the mood.
As time progressed, students came and went but the crowd grew until the end. Some stragglers lingered on the walls near the band; others came in pairs sitting near the back, careful to not disturb.
Though the temperature was picking up, the facilitators kept the same soulful and cheerful energy throughout the entire program.
As the program ended, Sanders thanked everyone for coming and wished them a good day.
Sanders said, “we wanted to give a platform for local artists that do not have a voice and a place to express their gifts and music.”
“There is a recurring theme in the AHCD Department allowing all artists, whether young or old, to showcase their talents even if it is just for a few minutes” said Danielle Henry, a BC student.
For more information on future AHCD Department events, contact the department at 954-201-8233 or stop by on South Campus in building 71, room 105.
Sanders and The Soulful Sessions Band can be found on their Instagram account @soulful_sessions.
dvil@mail.broward.edu
