Last night, students gathered inside of the Ferguson Center’s Starbucks to participate in Xpress Night, which gave them an opportunity to showcase their talent to a group of peers. Some participants sang and played the guitar while others recited poetry.
The creators of Xpress Night wanted the event to be held in a neutral and inclusive place on campus, which is why they chose Starbucks as the location for the event, said Colby Leopard, Xpress Night director.
Leopard said the event started because there was a need to have a common place on campus where students could share their talent with one another.
“People were really looking for an outlet like Xpress Night, and I think that we have done a good job of meeting that need,” he said.
On an average night, eight to 12 students perform at the event and Max Dolensky, a chip-tune musician, was one of them.
A chip-tune musician uses old computer game systems, such as the Nintendo Gameboy, to compose original music, he said.
He said he likes performing at Xpress Night because it gives him a chance to introduce a different form of music to people.
“There are some people that stereotype my music before they listen to it. They just think that I am some guy playing around with electronics,” he said. “So for that reason, I always try to open with a cover tune like ‘Party Rock Anthem’ or something. That usually wins them over.”
Lee Johnson said he likes to perform at Xpress Night because it makes him feel like part of a community.
“I feel connected here among students,” he said. “I get to impact lives, and people impact mine in return.”
One of Johnson’s most memorable moments happened when a fellow student said that he had inspired him to learn how to play the guitar.
“Sharing my music and getting feedback from it has been almost educational for me,” he said.
Xpress Night also serves as a place for students to socialize or to get homework done while listening to exceptional music, said Mattie Bonds, who regularly attends Xpress Night.
“It’s a good way for me to get away from the stress of my classes,” she said.
Although last night was Leopard’s last time serving as the director of the event, he said that Xpress Night was designed to be a sustainable event. He expects it to be a part of UA for years to come.
