Beat goes on with Release
The new organizer of Release, an annual variety show at Chadron State College, expects the event’s popularity to not miss a beat this year.
More than 20 acts will converge at Memorial Hall on Saturday, April 30, for the show, which is open to the public free of charge. If past shows can serve as an indicator, hundreds of spectators will be in the seats when the action starts at 7:30 p.m.
Although this marks CSC student Marty Lastovica’s first year organizing the effort, he is no stranger to it. The performer from Omaha has been around for each of the previous four shows. The event's creator, Jovan Mays of Aurora, Colo., graduated in December 2010 and is now competing in professional slam poetry competitions throughout the nation.
Lastovica said audience members can expect another great show worthy of Release's strong reputation. With the wide variety of acts, he said everyone is sure to discover at least five that they fall in love with. And, the price can’t be beat.
“That’s one of the best thing about Release. It’s free,” he said. “If this were Omaha or Denver, you’d pay $20 or more to see entertainment of this caliber. There is always something for everybody.”
He said the acts encompass many styles, including hip hop, acoustic folk, indie rock, and slam poetry.
Mays will return to perform for the event, as well as two others from the Denver area: Mikena Rence and The Maykit. Omaha also will be well represented, with appearances by Zach Shorts, Gage Wallace, KB the Kid and Ben Wenzyl. One of the acts, Maxilla Blue, is coming from Des Moines, Iowa.
Many college students and other local talent will take the stage. They include Karl Minor, Freddy C, Amanda Pintore, Jazzy, Dave Hockenbary, Mark Schuessler and Alan Bird.
Lastovica said he’s amazed by the show’s talent, and is thankful the artists continue to be excited to perform in Chadron.
“I look up to these artists,” he said. “It’s like working with superstars.”
Lastovica describes the show as PG-13, noting that most of it is suitable for the entire family.
“There might be an occasional swear word, but we try to keep it family-friendly,” he said.
Fans who want to get an early start on the entertainment may attend the Release "pre-show" in the Student Center at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 29. It also is open to the public free of charge.
Category: Campus News