One show, twice the entertainment

If you like comedians that encourage audience participation, and students that give their best renditions of popular R&B ballads, then the talent and comedy show was the event for you.

The excitement associated with homecoming week was amplified by lively comedy and heartfelt performances in the Multi-Purpose Teaching Gymnasium on Monday night.

Much to the excitement of students this year, the talent and comedy shows, normally separate events, were combined into one big show.

“This is what homecoming is all about,” said Latisha Freeman, 18, a first-year nursing student from Clearwater.

“Where else can you get hours long worth of great talent and comedy in one place?”

Besides the rare combined show, students were also thrilled that the eventwas held in the new building.

According to pleased Rattlers, the gym added to the overall atmosphere.

“The gym is spacious, and it was just perfect for the evening,” said Omandi Usé.

Usé, 21, a fourth-year pharmacy student from Atlanta, said the show was a great way to start the week.

Elite Dance Troupe captain Alicia Stephens agrees.

Elite opened the event, which began with the talent show portion, with an energetic performance.

“We have practiced for about three weeks to a month for tonight,” Stephens said.
The singing, rapping and poetry acts performed for a student panel of judges.

The list of student judges were Nadiyah Knight, Joy Barrington, Dion Peeples, Mr. Morris, Dominique Crawford and Brandy Tatum.

In the end, DJ Young won for his sultry rendition of Maxwell’s hit single, “Pretty Wings.”

“I thought he deserved to be the winner because he had great stage presence, and he can sing,” said Patricia Johnson, 20, a third-year health administration student from West Palm Beach.

“It was a moment where everybody had [their]cell phones up because we were feeling it.”
After the talent portion ended, the comedy show began.

Hosted by one of Black Entertainment Television Comic View’s funny men, Lav Luv, the comedy show was a hit with students.

“My favorite part was when [Lav Luv] re-enacted a music video,” said Ashley Burbine, 20, a third-year health care management student from Phoenix City, Ala.

“It’s crazy because he really does already look like Tyrese.”

Comedians Double D, Mr. Benji and Ms. B Flat’s different comedic styles offered a well-balanced night of comedy.

“Are there any Kappas in the house?” shouted Double D in one of his first jokes. “I’m a Kappa too, a Cap-ri-corn.”

Tyler Monroe, 20, a third-year business administration student from Hollywood, Fla., said the comedians were some of the funniest he had ever seen.

“My freshman year, we had comedian Bruce Bruce, and he was so funny that when I left, I thought I had broken my rib, but this year even topped that,” Monroe said. “That’s FAMU for you.”