For a student organization whose motto is “Students Helping Students,” Appreciate + Reciprocate nailed the line-up for their second annual charity variety show. The diversity of artistic talents and cultural backgrounds showcased at Autumn Fest truly was a celebration of human life. Beginning with the notorious Violin Monster, whose unique wolf mask is an inspiration to all humans and wolves alike to pluck, fiddle, and howl to their own tune, Autumn Fest raised awareness to support the talents and dreams of all people, no matter their ethnicity, their interests, or, in the Violin Monster’s case, their species!
Did you know that Michigan has its own Magicians Club? Most people don’t typically think of magic as a form of art, but to perform the trick correctly certainly takes the skill of a deft artist. Isn’t the magic of art the fact that it tricks you into thinking that it is done effortlessly? We think, ‘Van Gogh didn’t spend months on the exact expression of his Self-Portrait. Donna Tartt didn’t take 10 years to write The Goldfinch, a book we devour in 2 days. Gene Kelly didn’t work on his ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ routine 13 hours a day for 2 months.’ Likewise, the magic of art plays a part in the artistic form of Magic. Onstage, the magician brought up 2 audience members. He had them write their names on a certain playing card. Once the card was shuffled into the center of the deck, he snapped his fingers, and *poof* the signed card appeared at the top of the deck. To all of you magicians out there, this is probably very simple. But even after the magician explained his trick, I couldn’t see how he had done it. Perhaps I didn’t want to “see” because to see would be to uncover the illusion, the entertainment factor, the sense of wonderment that is art. The power of art is expressed on two levels: through those who possess the talent and can appreciate when it is performed well, and to those who have no knowledge on the skill and are simply mystified.
Next up were the beauties of the Arabian Dance Ensemble. Their exposed bellies not only sent the powerful and important message that the human body is beautiful in every shape and color, but provided the audience with the chance to fully appreciate the dance style. Set to upbeat drum rhythms, the girls moved their bellies in and out and up and down and in some ways I didn’t know were possible! And it was beautifully inspiring! The fact that a diverse group of girls could come together to celebrate a culture different from their own and most importantly, celebrate the amazing capabilities of the body is one of the greatest things about art. I highly recommend checking out the ensemble when they next perform.
The three a cappella groups were incredible, too! I listened and watched simultaneously, trying to pinpoint each layer of sound on the stage. The vocal cords of our fellow Michiganders are so strong and powerful. Each singer brought their own sound and talents to the group, and I was happy to see how each group let a new soloist take center stage for each song. The beatboxers reminded me that perhaps the human voice is the most diverse of all musical instruments. I really loved how Maize Mirchi, the South Asian a cappella group, combined 2 songs, 1 popular Western piece and 1 South Asian song, together to mix seamlessly into a melodious blend of cultures. They showed that art from all over the globe can bring people together; music is something we all have in common and can touch the human soul in its own way.
Lastly was Groove: “those guys who bang on garbage cans.” Their act celebrated the human drive for innovation, resourcefulness, and that little bit of childhood craziness that rests in our veins, waiting to leap out. Their syncopated beats and choreographed routine made my head bob and my feet drum on the floor below me. They made you want to do what they do – to be spontaneous and go wild in an act of creative freedom. They showed that you don’t need expensive equipments, tools, or supplies to be creative and artistic. You just need to tap into your inner heart and do what you love.
I am very much looking forward to next year’s Autumn Fest, and suggest that everyone explore each of these unique Michigan groups and prepare to be inspired! Perhaps, Appreciate + Reciprocate needs to change their motto to “Students Celebrating Students,” for indeed, that is what Autumn Fest accomplished.
