Fifth coming for songwriters

By Alfonso Villegas

Students were given the opportunity to show off their musical
skills through original songs at the fifth Songwriter Showcase held
last Thursday in the Music Recital Hall.

Performers delved into an assortment of musical genres, ranging
from pop to hip-hop and hard rock.

“My favorite part of the show was the mixture of styles that the
students incorporated into their music,” said Charles Gopez, a
third-year mechinical engineering student. “I would definitely want
to see more influence of Latin music into the program [because] I
think the audience would really enjoy it.”

The first half of the showcase was filled with a variety of
different melodies.

It concluded with “I See You,” a song produced by David Pugo,
Matthew Evanelista and Julian Largado, and was musically influenced
by reggae and jazz.

“This was a really nice opportunity to play the music that my
friends and I have created. I have only been playing the djembe for
a little over two years, but I’m really happy to have gotten the
chance to perform for the Cal Poly students” said Matthew
Evanelista, the group’s djembe player.

“I draw inspiration to my music through some of my favorite
artists such as Barrington Levy, Jah Roots and of course Bob
Marley,” says Evanelista.

The group gave a lively performance.

Most of the students in the showcase collaborated with one
another on their songs.

“It was a lot of fun being able to participate not only in my
own song but also in those of my peers,” said Sherinda Bryant, a
student performer.

“Aside from my involvement in church I have never really sang,”
said Sherinda. “I truly love the Cal Poly music department they
have been very welcoming and I am very happy to have had the
opportunity to sing and meet so many great people.”

One of the songs Sherinda sang was “What If,” which was written
by Gabriel Zuniga. The song, which was based on a true story, was
about a girl Zuniga had met in a bar. The song also carried a rap
and poetry combination tone.

“At first the song was not really coming out the way I really
wanted it to,” said Zuniga. “But with help from some of people here
at the music department, and Sheridan’s lovely voice, the song was
able to sound a lot more balance and I was happy with how it turned
out. And even though my song was a little humorous, what I would
really want the audience to gain from it is to see hip hop and rap
through an entirely new perspective, and not be afraid to branch
out and try something new,” said Zuniga.

Reach Alfonso Villegas at lifestyle@thepolypost.com

Marcie Heacox/Poly Post

Fifth coming for songwriters

Marcie Heacox/Poly Post

Fifth coming for songwriters