The Editorially Independent Voice of The University of Akron

The Buchtelite

The Editorially Independent Voice of The University of Akron

The Buchtelite

The Editorially Independent Voice of The University of Akron

The Buchtelite

Graphic courtesy of Liv Ream; movie flyer from IMDB
In defense of Skinamarink
By Liv Ream, Arts and Entertainment Editor • October 1, 2023
Alternative Spring Break 2023 volunteers in Washington, D.C. Courtesy of Natalie Mowad.
Applications open for Akron’s 2024 Alternative Spring Break
By Taylor Lorence, Correspondent • October 1, 2023
The Northern Cheyenne tribe and community walking the ancient Portage Path from Portage Path CLC to the John Brown Home during a previous years First Peoples Day event. Photo courtesy of Portage Path Collaborative.
UA Holds events in celebration of North American First People’s Day   
By Shananne Lewis, Online Editor • September 28, 2023
White swan on water during daytime photo - Free Uk Image on Unsplash
The Swan's Rapture: a poem
By Emily Price, editor in chief • September 27, 2023
Desperately Seeking an Amazon Fighter, sculpture by Kimberly Chapman
"Easy Prey" art exhibit on display at Myers School of Art
By Taylor Lorence, Reporter, Secretary • September 21, 2023
“On the left, there’s me at work! I received the New Student Orientation “Gold Standard” award alongside 
and at the same time as my friend Gillian.”
Courtesy of Connor VanMaele
Fall 2023 Print Edition: Going the Distance
By Connor VanMaele, Correspondent • September 19, 2023
L to R: Steve Horner, Heather Barhorst, Haley Kuczynski, Shawna Blankenship, Brynley Harris, Jessie Redwine at the Pop-Up Pantry. Image Courtesy of ZipAssist.
ZipAssist Holds Community Resource Fair Tuesday, September 19 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the SU 2nd Floor
By Shananne Lewis, Correspondent • September 18, 2023
Film critic Liv Ream and friend pose for photo (Image via Liv Ream)
My Barbie experience
By Liv Ream, Film Critic • September 17, 2023

ZPN showcases "Akron's Got Talent"

By: Kate Powell

Technical difficulties were strewn throughout the evening’s program, which caused bumpy transitions from one act to the next, leading to a disconnected of the audience.

Of the 17 acts, 12 were singers. Although there were some cookie-cutter acts, there were some rather interesting vocal performances. Secret Crunch, a duo of graduate students, sang Irish folk music and UA Junior Tibor Gal introduced us to Chinese pop music.

“It was nice to hear music that I am not familiar with because then I have no biases towards the performer,” UA sophomore Julie Coore said.

The night would not be true to “American’s Got Talent” if dance crews had not been present. Among the dance groups were the favorites “Almost There” and “Akron Dance GuROOs.”

“Almost there,” a group composed of radiology students, wowed the crowd with their mechanic moves and breakdancing. “Akron Dance GuROOs” was the largest act to perform during the night. The pre-medicine dance group lightened up the mood to end the night on a fantastic note, despite a few of the dancers falling off the stage and knocking down the backdrop. There were no injuries, and the show went on.

Stars of the evening included UA junior Jeilee Letcher with the flawless delivery of an original and graphic poem “Freedom.” The piece addressed the dangers of premeditated self-violence, and the middle ground between depression and the breaking point.

Freshman Maria Moore captivated the crowd with a sequence of River Dancing. River Dancing is not an art you see very often, and among the mediocre singers, this act brought originality and real talent back into the program.

Although there were several unforgettable acts, there were a few that we wished we could rid from our memory for good. However, that is the beauty of talent searches: either you have it or you don’t.

Some acts made the students feel slightly uncomfortable, such as Shawn Better & Space Age. The rapper announced that he had just signed a record deal with a producer in Cleveland. However, the crowd found that difficult to believe after the mediocre and, at times, vulgar performance.

UA freshmen Sara Connley and Alexis Hamp said, “It was so awkward. I didn’t even know what to do with myself.”

Another singer received a similar reaction with her acoustic song choice regarding male dominance and social criticisms. The tension in the room was high when she left the stage murmuring sarcastic comments about the audience.

Two winners were selected: the act with the most texted votes, and the act with the highest score from the judges.

The dance crews were by far the audience’s favorite, with the Akron Dance GuROOs snatching the first prize and $25 Target gift cards. Almost There was the runner-up.

The winner selected by the judges was River Dancer Moore. Her prize included a Kodak Digital Camera and custom Dr. Dre headphones.

According to ZPN Fine Arts and Film Lecture Chair Helen Dauka, Moore will also have a chance to perform at Springfest.

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