We’ve got talent, yes we do!
First annual talent show reveals jugglers, dancers, musicians, fun
Posted on January 28, 2008
JMU revealed its skills on Jan. 23 as the Madison Student Giving Campaign hosted the first-annual “JMU’s Got Talent” in Wilson Hall. The event celebrated 100 days until graduation and highlighted the organization’s goal of getting students to make monetary donations to JMU.
“Essentially, we are an organization that is trying to get students in the habit of giving back to the university now so they will continue to as an alumnus,” senior organization chair Maria Powell said.
The event kicked off with banter between hosts senior David Centofante and alumnus Mike Keith (’07). The pair had great chemistry that kept the crowd entertained between performances. There were 12 acts including singers, dancers and a juggler. All of the performers were unique and brought their own brand of talent to the show. The winners were selected by judges Vice President of Student Affaris Mark Warner, senior Shannon Thacher and Student Body President Lee Brooks.
First place went to Josh Vana, a sophomore justice studies major from Richmond who also works as an RA in Huffman Hall. Josh played an original song on guitar while simultaneously playing the harmonica. He even rallied the crowd to clap to his beat by stomping on the floor. Vana receives his musical influence from such artists as Ry Cooder, The Rolling Stones and Sonny Terry.
The second place winners were Amy Hilton and Steven Hughes, both of whom are seniors from Northern Virginia. Together the duo performed on original song “Break on Through.”
“Amy wrote the lyrics and I started messing around on the guitar and after a week of practice we were set,” Hughes said. The song had a crisp, indie feel resembling John Mayer, mixed with catchy cords and beautiful vocals.
“We are just psyched to be up here with all these incredible acts and to get second,” the duo said after the show.
Brian Gurney, a freshman English major from Manassas won third place. Gurney performed “A Love Song,” an original solo he wrote and played. Gurney has already accomplished a lot for such a young artist. He has an albums-worth of material and has performed on several occasions.
“I didn’t know what to expect I just love to play and was excited to play,” Gurney said.
The prize for the first place winner was a JMU fleece and coupons to the University Bookstore, while the second place winners took home gift baskets of DVDs, candy and soft drinks. The third place winner took home a JMU T-shirt and a Nathaniel Baker CD.
The show concluded with a stellar performance by the JMU Breakdance Club, who performed to Missy Elliot, Snoop Dogg and Sean Kingston.
