Lace up your cowboy boots and ride on over to Reardon Auditorium for Western Encore! This Saturday, October 17, at 7 and 10 p.m. at Reardon Auditorium, you can hear classic country hits from Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood and more as performed by students here on campus. The event is presented by Avanti Boosters in collaboration with Orangehaus and, like every Encore! before, the show promises to be an engaging and energetic time.
Performers of Encore! auditioned back in September, and since then they have been hard at work putting everything together. One such performer, Emma Copes, a junior majoring in musical theatre and music education, shares her unique audition experience. “I didn’t exactly audition as I just walked in,” she said. “My friends, Izzy and Sophia, were in the middle of their auditions and encouraged me to simply walk in. I looked at the theme, decided there was only one song I felt confident winging it on, and just walked into the audition room. I asked if they accepted walk-ins, they said yes, and I pulled up the lyrics on my phone and sang along karaoke-style.”
Another performer, Lydia Doss, a sophomore also double majoring in musical theatre and music education, might be recognized from her involvement in last semester’s Encore! as part of the group that sang “Bye Bye Bye” by NSYNC. “It was my first time doing it,” Lydia said. “And I got to do it with a great group of girls. Getting to try something new and do it with a bunch of people that I like hanging out with was a lot of fun. It was a great memory.” Lydia adds, “I’m looking forward to trying it by myself and getting to try a new genre.”
When asked what she is most looking forward to for Encore!, Emma replied, “Working with the band. It is full of talented and passionate musicians. I am constantly impressed by the level of creativity and professionalism they display in every performance. There is something magical about performing with live music and a live band that I can’t wait to experience.”
With Encore! audiences can expect great music, lively energy, and fond memories for years to come. “We’ll have skits, and the different performers are just going to own the stage,” Lydia said. “It’s just going to be a super fun and energetic experience for everyone.”
Catch Emma, Lydia, and many others Saturday at Reardon Auditorium, 7 and 10 p.m., to hear “Jolene”, “Before He Cheats”, and other nostalgic tunes! Tickets are $5 in advance or $8 at the door; advance tickets can be bought by following the QR code posted on Orangehaus’s social media or by scanning the many posters located around campus.
And be sure to check out the other events happening during Homecoming weekend!