Theater schedule for 2018-19 finalized
By Xavier Johnson, Scene Editor
May 16, 2018
Filed under Scene
Two world premieres bookend next year’s supernatural-themed 2018-19 theater season continuing the momentum built from this past season’s successful final production “The Cries of La Llorona.” The first world premiere is an original horror play written by Contra Costa College drama department ...
Talents collide at Campus Center Plaza
By Xavier Johnson, Scene Editor
May 15, 2018
Rapper Mi’Jae “Vision” Wilson won a $200 scholarship award after taking first place for her performance in the inaugural Battle of Talents in the Campus Center Plaza Thursday. The biology major performed three songs, two being original, called “What They Gon’ Do (W.T.G.D)” and “Know.”...
J. Cole offers new high
By Efrain Valdez, Social Media Editor
May 15, 2018
Filed under Scene
In the modern era of hip-hop, driven by the use of Xanax, Percocet, cough syrup and cannabis, rapper J. Cole has become this generation’s conscience with his new album “KOD.” The three-way acronym meaning “Kids On Drugs,” “King Overdose” and “Kill Our Demons” are the issues he tackles ...
Art exhibit analyzes society
By Dan Hardin, Staff Writer
May 1, 2018
Filed under Scene
People question if life imitates art or if those roles are reversed. But in the works displayed currently in the Eddie Rhodes Gallery in A-5, the impression visitors leave with will transform the way the sky is viewed. The fine and media arts department exhibit entitled “Messages: Material Matters...
Students to compete in first ever ‘Battle of Talents’
By Anthony Kinney, Associate Editor
May 1, 2018
Filed under Scene
In an effort to earn a spot in Contra Costa College’s upcoming “Battle of Talents” competition, students showcased their talents for judges during auditions Thursday and Friday. Performers sang, danced and entertained onlookers in preparation for next week’s talent show. Hosted by the Associated ...
Four useful apps students don’t know about
By Xavier Johnson, Scene Editor
April 17, 2018
Filed under Scene
With near limitless options in the app store, it’s overwhelming sifting through what’s good and what’s a waste of time, storage space and potentially money. There is a set of popular apps like Spotify and Waze that have a solidified place in the public conscious. However, there are a plethora ...
Cardi B shuts down critics with lyrical prowess
By Anthony Kinney, Associate Editor
April 17, 2018
Hip hop’s newest female act Cardi B bares all for the world to hear while effortlessly turning skeptics into believers with her debut album “Invasion of Privacy.” Once one of those skeptics, I tried to drown out the praises of Cardi-crazed fans and ignore her insanely successful single “Bodak ...
Hayley Kiyoko’s debut album delves into hardships of love
By Jshania Owens, Staff Writer
April 10, 2018
Filed under Scene
Most people either remember Hayley Kiyoko from her performance in the live-action Disney flick “Lemonade Mouth” or from her catchy hit single “Girls Like Girls.” Soon they’ll know her better from her new debut album “Expectations,” with its bouncy pop tracks balanced out by euphoric instru...
Play explores feminist arc through cultural folklore
By Michael Santone, Associate Editor
April 10, 2018
Bringing the centuries old Mexican folktale to the stage, “The Cries of La Llorona” captivates with a dazzling set design, vibrant lighting and an enchantingly modernized feminist slant. Closing out the Contra Costa College drama department’s 2017-18 season, “The Cries of La Llorona” is an or...
‘Love, Simon’ coming out story impresses
By Michael Santone, Associate Editor
March 21, 2018
Filed under Scene
Before “Love, Simon” came out in theaters I was already a bit hesitant about seeing it. As a mixed gay male, the trailer depicted a storyline of a white boy from a well-to-do family coming out to love and acceptance. But for me and many others around the world, this scenario isn’t always the norm ...
Realness, sexuality warrant recognition
By Xavier Johnson, Scene Editor
March 21, 2018
Hip-hop has given people from all walks of life a platform to tell their stories without a filter, as long as they have a mic and the willingness to be vulnerable. And women of color are no exception. Rappers like MC Lyte, Queen Latifah and Lauryn Hill flexed their lyrical skills while giving a voice to ...