 "Photo: Mitchell Saltzman/Poly Post")
Students took the limelight and lit up Cal Poly’s stage with original songs at the 6th Songwriter Showcase last Thursday in the Music Recital Hall.
“It’s unique in that you haven’t heard these songs,” said Arthur Winer, music professor and the show’s director. “They started out with simple songs and rehearsed over the quarter to fill in the gaps.”
Like the previous five showcases, student and alumni musicians performed new songs in a wide array of musical genres, ranging from rock to hip hop.
The concert received a publicity boost because Justin Kalama, a veteran of the second and third showcases, is on American Idol this season.
Future idols began the show with “I Flirt,” a jazz number complete with sassy lyrics and syrupy vocals.
Kateri Lirio, a fourth-year music production student, continued the love theme and said dreamy piece “Stir Crazy” was inspired by a personal anecdote.
“Someone asked me to marry them once,” said Lirio. “I said no.”
Lirio, who also helped produce the show’s first set of songs, used her silky voice and fluid piano playing to highlight her poignant lyrics.
“Your happiness is my prison,” crooned Lirio. “Time to set me free.”
One of the evening’s standout performances came from Brett Woods, a 2009 alumnus.
Singing Patrick Wolfe’s “Going from the Start,” Woods’ soulful vocals paired with Wolfe’s melancholy lyrics and acoustic guitar had audience members clinging to each word.
“I’ve been going from the start, crawling back to you,” sang Woods.
During the second set, student Marla McCaw provided a new musical direction with “The Astronaut and the Alien,” a quirky tune with a bouncy melody in the vein of Regina Spektor. Oscar Narro, a third-year music student, played the glockenspiel while Will Hunt, a fourth-year music student, strummed the cello to complete the ensemble.
Kyle Neal, a fourth-year music industry studies student, said his bluesy-rock number “Get Me Gone” was written about dealing with problems in the wrong way.
Neal’s raspy vocals complimented the song’s steady rhythm.
“Gone, gone, get me gone, my love you get me gone,” sang Neal.
Alumnus Anthony Salerno energized the crowd with his tongue-in-cheek anthem “We’re All Gonna Die.” Salerno instructed all to sing along with his sarcastic lyrics about life after death.
“We all have questions about the afterlife,” said Salerno. “I’m going to answer them for you.”
Salerno padded the chorus with witty verses about the unlimited ways people may die.
The upbeat sing-a-long encouraged hand claps and foot taps, while leaving an impression on many audience members.
Natalie Liu, a second-year graphic design student, said Salerno’s humorous piece was her favorite because of his enthusiastic delivery.
“It was really funny and spirited,” said Liu. “You can tell he loves what he’s doing.”
Many musicians were repeat performers from past songwriter showcases.
Jorge Rangel, a sixth-year music business student, said he felt more confident performing for a second time.
“I wasn’t as nervous as the first time I performed,” said Rangel. “I felt more relaxed.”
Rangel, who added to the concert’s diversity with his fast-paced lyrics, said he looks to revolutionize the rap world with his unique style of hip hop.
“I have my own style,” said Rangel. “I want to bring something different.”
Eric Pham, a fifth-year music industry studies student, teamed with Kyle Ross, a third-year music student, to perform the night’s lively closing piece. With Pham’s passionate vocals and Ross’ aggressive guitar solos, “Now or Never” epitomized the entire showcase’s diverse sounds.
Ross, who cites Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante as his personal guitar hero, began practicing the instrument during his first year at Cal Poly.
“I picked up a guitar and wanted to learn it,” said Ross. “I thought, ‘it’s now or never.’”
The 7th Songwriter Showcase is planned for next quarter.
The concert benefits Cal Poly’s Music Industry Studies program with proceeds aiding music scholarships.
Lara Jessen, a third-year music recording student, said she was eager to attend the next show.
“I was really impressed by the students’ talents,” said Jessen. “I will definitely go to the next one.”
Reach Annette Vitkievicz at: lifestyle@thepolypost.com
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