By Lauren Morales
Students from various campus organizations came to support the Latin American Student Organization’s (LASO) 11th annual Cultural Show at the Fenway Center Friday. This year’s theme was LASO’s Class Reunion, allowing students to reunite 10 years after graduating college to share their experiences and stories with the audience.
Cesar Sanchez, a senior electrical engineering major and Cultural Show co-team leader, said he planned the event with high expectations.
“Ever since I’ve been here, I know [the Cultural Show has been] one of the bigger events of the year for LASO and I wanted to take that role on myself and make it as big as possible,” he said.
Sanchez said the show was meant to progress from “old school to new school,” starting with indigenous bands, dancers and singers, and eventually wrapping up with a performance by reggaeton artist Notch.
Dorian Manning, a junior computer science major, said he was enthusiastic to see the line-up because he knew the majority of the participants.
“It’s an exciting event. All of my friends are here. I try to make it [to LASO events] whenever I can,” he said.
The show was meant not only to be entertaining, but educational as well.
“This culture show brings together everyone on campus so we can show them what we are about, instead of us learning about ourselves,” Sanchez said. “We have this to show that as Hispanics we’re not just one stereotype, we don’t all like the same thing.”
Inca Son was the first performance group, playing traditional Incan music while wearing customary garments. The musicians wore indigo cloth embroidered with indigenous designs while the dancers wore elaborate neon hats and outfits. The dancers’ energy and the traditional sound of authentic panpipes set the mood for the rest of the show.
After Inca Son, Marques Crosby, a Northeastern student performer, took the stage and performed a spoken word piece about Columbia, emphasizing the country’s struggles and successes. Marsha White, another student performer, sang an eloquent medley in tribute to Tejano singer Selena, and audience members sang with her.
When the salsa band hit the stage, the audience seemed ready to start dancing. La Timbistica, an eight-piece salsa band, performed while LASO members in the show danced with audience members. The powerful vocals, impressive drum skills and impromptu dancing drew applause from the audience.
Dynasty, a group of Northeastern students, danced to a reggaeton compilation, leading up to the headline performer, Notch. The performer’s reggaeton hits like “Dale Pa’ Tra,” “Que Te Pica” and “Tocame” have become favorites among Latin music connoisseurs.
Sanchez said he wanted the audience to do more than just watch the show; he wanted them to be engaged in the culture immersion.
“I want them to not just take it as a show, but as an experience,” he said. “Something that they will remember.”
