Drag queens wait to perform during Standout's first annual drag show on campus. (Photo: Abigail Southworth/Collegiae)

Masquerade act
By Nathan Wood
Collegiate Staff Writer

Standout, after three years of trying, put on their first drag show as an end of year event.

With five queens making their appearance, including Rumor’s Mistress of Ceremonies Jessina Shanchez, the show attracted an audience of over 70 people.

“This year, Standout has been focusing on building some really strong connections here at CC and I feel we’ve done a really good job,” Garrett Imhoff, Standout’s vice president said.

“Our membership has jumped. We’ve had some very successful events and so a drag show just seemed like a great way to close out the year officially.”

The Raider Grille was completely transformed for this occasion, with decorated tables for the audience, a wide stage and dance floor and all of the windows covered in white, blue and silver balloons.

However, even with all preparations, trouble arose when Standout was notified some of the queens would be coming an hour later than expected. An impromptu dance-off filled the time until the show started.

The headliner of the drag show was Miss Jessina Shanchez with a masquerade act that wowed the audience from beginning to end. All of the queens put on show-stopping acts with music from some of today’s top artists to classic favorites such as Frank Sinatra and even a couple of songs from Broadway shows.

The Drag Show was not in any way meant to be a competition among the contestants. It was strictly a fun and artistic style of showing the group’s support for the gay community as well as a way to get their name out to those who wanted to know more about Standout, Imhoff said.

Mary Ross, one of the shows drag queens, was pleased with the overall outcome of the show.

“This is, after all, our first time putting this on and it’s not as we expected but it has completed the expectations we were looking for, so it was pretty awesome,” Ross said. Ross said the use of poster ads around campus combined with natural curiosity is what brought most of the people there for the show that evening.

Once the show ended, a brief time was given to the audience to ask questions they had for the queens including how their costumes were made and reasons why they chose to be drag queens in the first place. Overall, the show raised $142.

Melodic vibes
By Nicole Hoffman
Collegiate Staff Writer

GRCC Music Department put on a special performance for the 60th Anniversary of Musical Moods.

In 1948 Albert P. Smith “Smitty,” head of the Music Department began the tradition of musical ensemble. The night featured all of the different ensembles from the Department. It was an end of the semester final performance.

President Juan Oliverez said, “It’s always nice. Faculty and students always do a good job. I enjoy it every year. It’s marvelous to see students share their talents.”

The night started with the Mariachi ensemble. Ashley Zentmeyer and Gideon Whitehead playing “Come Again” followed this. The Percussion Ensemble spiced up the concert while they played “South of the Boarder.”

The Madrigal Singers dressed in costumes to set the mood for their song, “Vago augelletto che cantando vai.” There was a special act from Deonna Cattiledge and Friends Vocal Group performing “Get It Together.”

Jonathon Lovegrove’s solo showed off his talent when he sang “Avant de quitter ces lieux.” The Guitar Ensemble followed with “Morenito Do Brazil” and the Chamber Orchestra performing Medieval Legend.

The Saxophone Quartet turned the crowd around, literally. They played their song “Andante et Scherzo” at the back of the auditorium.

Between acts, President Oliverez, Richard Calkins, and “Smitty” took the stage to present awards. When “Smitty” took the stage, the crowd was on their feet and clapping before he even got to the podium.

Several students and faculty were recognized for their accomplishments. Former president Richard Calkins received the Albert P. Smith award for his accomplishments in the music program. Upon getting the award Calkins said, “What a thrill is it to listen to intergenerational music.”

There were five awards given to students of the program. Student and saxophonist Michael Robinson received the instrumental music award.

John Lovegrove and David Harwood both received the vocal leadership award. Guitarist Matthew Berrios and pianist John Arndt received the leadership and academic scholarship award.

After awards were given out, Michael Robinson played “The Carnival of Venice” and blew the audience away with his talent.

The College Choir performed “Shenandoah” followed by the Jazz Orchestra playing “Step Right Up,” Katherin Jannakos and Erin Wall then performed “Sous le dome pais” followed by Shades of Blue Singing “Stolen Moments”. The Wind Ensemble then performed “La Fiesta Mexicana.

In honor of Smitty he conducted the ensemble in its final piece, “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” where all of the ensembles combined and alumni joined in. The night ended with combined ensembles along with alumni and the audience singing “Alma Mater.”

GRCC student Josh Dykhouse feature comedian likes to cruise in his car on his freetime. (Courtesy of Josh Dykhouse)

Grins and giggles in an elevator
By Sarah Norton
A&E Editor

Laughter erupted in the classroom at an early age for GRCC student Josh Dykhouse.

In fifth grade, Dykhouse was nominated the “class clown” for his SNL and MAD TV impersonations, which later led to the spotlight of Dr. Grins comedy show at the downtown B.O.B.

After a two-month waiting list, Dykhouse finally encountered center stage at the Dr. Grins show. Last month Dykhouse had his “first time to say whatever he wanted without getting into trouble,” he said.

Thursday evenings at the B.O.B allow six comedy amateurs on set before the two-headliner comedians. Each amateur has a three-minute slot to show the world his or her charisma.

Dykhouse started writing his own material in fifth grade and escaladed from there, taking ideas from life experience, pieces of random information, as well as awkward situations.

To not get bogged by other comedic approaches, he deliberately tries not to watch other comedians. His style of comedy consists of storytelling, here he picks a common situation and elaborates on uncomfortable moments. One of his tactics is to relate or involve the audience to capture their attention.

Thinking about how awkward stepping to an elevator, I like to “point out the obvious… in an elevator everyone finds their own spot and go from there,” Dykhouse
said.

He was involved in Improv, the announcements several plays and musicals in high school. He also directed the show “Bang, Bang, Your Dead.”

Right now he is enrolled in the intro to acting class with Eric Messing. The class teaches the fundamentals of acting with a variety of improv, scenes, monologues, and other acting techniques.

Although Dykhouse enjoys triggering laughter, when he is not entertaining he said he likes to “hop in my car, cruise around.” He likes to meet people and spontaneous events.

Dykhouse dreams of stand-up as a career but would like to be realistic, which is why he is going to GRCC for business.

“I like the fact that I will work with a lot of people…decide what the consumers want and come up with ideas to get customers to buy their product,” Dykhouse said.

In regards to his current stage of laughter he advises people who are interested in comedy or any new opportunity, “Don’t be afraid to do something new, you’ll feel better once you’ve tried it,” Dykhouse said.

On May 8, Dykhouse has another slot at Dr. Grins with headliner John Dicrosta. The show is at 9 P.M.

Lyrics make mother proud
By Jackie Prins
Special to the Collegiate

GRCC student Gunnar Nyblad may have been a born and raised country boy, but his music creates a genre of its own.

Nyblad attributes his musical inspiration to artists such as Neil Young, Johnny Cash, and Bruce Springsteen, but insists his greatest inspiration was his uncle.

Instead of going straight to college after high school, he toured the Midwest with a group called Captive Free for a year. This group of six young musicians played at churches and hotels for middle and high school kids, their largest audience totaling 900.

His decision to join the group came after being inspired by a similar group as a youngster.

“I have a very strong faith,” Nyblad said, “which is strange, I’m not a perfect person by any means.”

Faith leads him to Mamrelund Lutheran Church every Sunday morning where he plays guitar.

“Every single Sunday he’s at church,” said Rob Anderson, a close friend. The two grew up together in Kent City where they played football together. Today, Anderson said he is Nyblad’s number one fan.

Nyblad has over 40-recorded songs about his own life experiences, and those of other people he knows. Each song has has an original sound. “He’s starting his own style,” said Anderson.

Nyblad grew up on a fruit farm in Kent City. He continues to work there today while going to school full time.

Performing has always been a passion of his. He participated in GRCC’s One Act series that took place at Spectrum Theater this spring.

As far as the ladies are concerned, Nyblad said the leading lady in his life is his mother, who has supported him since he was a small child, and is also a main source of his inspiration.

“The only time I make her cry,” he said. “Is when I write songs for her.”

Nyblad says his family and friends are a very important part of his life. Two of his friends and himself formed his high school band Active B, which is where his musical career began.

While he plans on attending Michigan State University School of Agriculture in the fall, he says anything can happen. Nyblad attends open mic nights at different places in the area, and plans to attend GRCC Black Student Union’s Open Mic Night on April 23, from 6:15 to 9:00. This is located at the GRCC Quiet Café.

As for what lies ahead for this goofy and outgoing sweetheart, as his friends describe him, Nyblad said the future could hold anything. He mainly tries to live in the moment.

“He’s a great guy,” Anderson said. “He is available for dating, looking for a band, and he needs a hair cut.”

For more information about Gunner Nyblad or to hear his music go to myspace.com gunnarlouisnyblad.

Smooth-E is not for me
Opinion by Ashley VanderLoon
Collegiate Staff Writer

I used to enjoy the sweet combination of fresh fruit blended with ice, but now I cannot help compare my favorite drink to comedian, Eric Schwartz.

Eric Schwartz, aka Smooth-E performed at GRCC on Tues., April 9 at Winchester Alley. His comedy routine not only offended me, but in minutes I was ready to take a nap.

“I do a different kind of show on stage,” Schwartz said. “They laugh and surrender to the blender.”

Well, I am the one laughing at him, instead of with him.

The smoothie man compares himself to the blender and repeatedly uses the slogan, “surrender to the blender.” He often tells himself that similarly to a blender mixing ingredients together, people really don’t know what they’re going to get. That is for sure.

Schwartz was unable to release his age not even to me. His ever so popular MySpace states that he’s “104” years old. I am not going to make a big deal out of it; he can keep his age a secret. However, I am still annoyed at his immaturity.

Honestly, it is just a number.

Most of the questions I asked him I was unsure about whether or not he was telling the truth. His answers seemed to escalate, one after the other. Did he or did he not travel to England? Did he really have a D.J... job in Jamaica?

He claims that since he began his career, he has been to all different types of countries. He kept changing his answers. His history is still a mystery.

His life stands to be an interesting mixture of events. I am certain he grew up in Los Angeles, and his family lives close to him, he often has family gatherings.

It was interesting to find out that he majored in broadcast journalism in college and had a minor in Spanish. He soon changed his mind, and the stand-up, improv, rapping and sketching routine was for him.

“The reason I didn’t go into the news is because I couldn’t put my opinion in it and my view on the world,” he said.

I can remember at the event a when girl walked out, annoyed as to why we were doing a chicken dance when we are in college. Honestly, is this second grade?

When I went around asking people if they saw Schwartz, they had no idea what I was talking about. The smoothie guy yet still remains unknown.

During the show, GRCC student Chris Pelzer was able to get up on stage and interact with the rest of the crowd.

“The whole show was a little different, funny, and he was able to take sarcasm and work with it,” Pelzer said.

Pelzer said parts of the show were both, “boring and rocky." “I think most of that was from those who don’t really about being social and having fun, but just want to go to school and go home,” Pelzer said.

The President of Campus Activities Board , Delee Hermenitt, was in charge of contacting his agent for him to perform at school. She really admires him for some reason.

“A lot of what he did I already seen, and he knew what he was going to do-he really got the students involved and make it come alive,” Hermenitt said.

I am leaving this one up to the viewer to decide what they think about it. I guess as long as the audience has a good time, who cares. I am ready to have a real comedian make me laugh. I recommend contacting Conan O’Brien’s or Louis Black’s agent. It’s only a suggestion.

From the doors of GRCC to the Big Lights
By Rose Stoppels
Collegiate Staff Writer

While some may be content with a nine to five job, others pursue careers beyond expectations.

Tom Kaechele, head of the theatre department, gave an inside look to the success of some of the acting students, beyond the doors of GRCC.

Page Kennedy, an alumni from GRCC, has been gaining recognition in Hollywood, starting with a CBS show, “The Kennedy’s,” and in a six-episode story arch of the popular hit, “Desperate Housewives,” as Caleb Applewhite, and in Six Feet Under. From then on, Kennedy was in the first episode of “Boston Legal” as Dennis Pryor in 2006, and “CSI Miami” in 2006.

This actor, born in Detroit on Nov. 23, 1976, attended GRCC and transferred to Western Michigan University. From there, he went on to the University of Delaware where he graduated with a degree in theater. He landed his first role by sneaking into a Sony studio with his headshot and resume, according to the Internet Movie Database (IMDB) online.

“He came in to play college football, and became involved with theater, using his stage time to help with his rapping,” Kaechele said. Kennedy is now out in LA, making connections and making good money, according to Kaechele.

Sammy Publes, another alumni from GRCC, went on to work and pay the bills as a commercial actor in the Chicago area, according to Kaechele. He worked his way up after starting out in a factory.

However, some of the talent has stayed local, according to Kaechele. 

The executive director of Broadway Grand Rapids came from GRCC, transferred to Aquinas and after getting his graduate degree at Wayne State, is now the new director.

Kaechele made a credible point that dealing with the real world requires the investigation of one’s creative side.

“The skills you gain on the stage are helpful in that it teaches you how to speak in front of people,” Kaechele said.
“Theatre is not a nine to five job,” Kaechele said.

Robyn Robins' Successful Music Career Continues
By Rikki Jo Holmes
Special to the Collegiate

Robyn Robins, original keyboardist of the Bob Seger Silver Bullet Band, has returned to his Michigan roots to continue work in the music industry.

In 2007, Robins opened a private studio in Grand Rapids called RR Productions, which has produced artists such as Danny D, Craic Wisely, OTC and an African band known as Ensemble Al-Asdeka.
“I wanted to start my own production studio because it seemed like the next step,” Robins said. “It’s also an opportunity to help new musicians.”

Robins started his career as a young musician as well. At the age of seven he was playing the piano at the Detroit Conservatory of Music which he accredits to his parents and their love for music.
His first band Outcry became recognized after playing Robins’ compositions at a national competition in New Jersey and went on to win third place.

From there his talent as a session keyboardist struck the attention of Motown Records and Punch Andrews, the manager of Bob Seger and who later hand-picked the members of the Silver Bullet Band.
“We have made so many great songs,” Robins said. “But my favorite single is We’ve Got Tonight.”
Robins most memorable moment of his musical career happened only a couple of months after Elvis had passed away.

“Elvis had been a big fan of the Silver Bullet Band, so one day his dad asked us to come over to his house,” Robins said. “We even got to ride in the pink Cadillac.”

Robins left the band in 1980 and moved to Florida in order to pursue a medical degree at the University of Miami. After he had earned four medical certificates Robins decided to turn back to the music industry in order to receive a doctorate in audio engineering.

It was while he was taking a break from school and music in Florida Keys when he met his wife Bernadette. They have been married for 18 years.

“He’s not the stud he used to be,” jokes Bernadette. “But I still love him.”

In 1992 they moved back to her homeland of Ireland with their first son.

“Ireland was definitely a very good cultural experience. You obviously don’t go there for the weather or the food,” said Robins. “The weather is horrible and the food is not much better. But the culture is incredible.”

In Ireland he opened his own production studio known as Mid-Atlantic-Digital Studio, which was voted 25th on a list of 50 fastest growing technical companies in Europe. He also worked with bands such as U2 and Van Morrison. 

Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, however Robins missed the ceremony by a half day due to the windy weather in Ireland.

“After I realized that my first plane was grounded I decided to buy another ticket for a different plane, only to have that one grounded as well,” Robins said.

Robins and his family moved back to Michigan in 2007 because he wanted his two boys to get away from their more sheltered life in Ireland and experience the world.

“Grand Rapids is a nice location because it’s close to Detroit where many of my friends are,” said Robins. “Rock and Roll business is kind of nuts. I need my peace and quiet sometimes.”

He is currently working on four albums and has produced over 2,000 releases worldwide with over 60 going gold or platinum.

Robins hopes to expand his private studio in Grand Rapids and one day build a studio in Florida. For more information check out robynrobinsproductions.com.

Grins and giggles in an elevator
By Sarah Norton
A&E Editor

Daily we take things for granted. Our lives, our family, our friends, career and so much we do not even think about. It is ridiculous how blessed we are to live in America and yet always discontent.

A few weeks ago my friend Jason Horjus went to the hospital for headaches and they gave him a migraine cocktail, a variety of migraine medicine, and sent him on his way. Days later his head was pounding and experienced blurred vision and was rushed to the ER.

Come to find out his headaches were not just a migraine. After several tests they found a mass in his brain, meaning tumor. Horjus is 22 and this tumor did not just appear out of nowhere, it had been growing for 15 years. Woven and spun into his brain, there is no possible way to remove it. They put shunts in to drain the fluid and after a week of the hospital time they placed a permanent shunt in his brain. The tests were inconclusive to the possibility of cancer.

Wow 22 and he has a tumor. I cannot believe how much people; including myself take life for granted. One moment we are here and the next we are gone. This could happen to anyone at anytime, there is no way to know.

It is coincidental though how Horjus two days before he went in, accepted Jesus Christ as his savior and suddenly is in the hospital possibly fighting for his life.

Through all of this Horjus has been optimistic and hopeful since he knows whatever happens to him, is all part of God’s plan. But what does this leave for the rest of us? We the healthy and prosperous are too worried about schedules to really enjoy life.

We are so concerned with acceptance, material objects, and getting ahead of the game we miss out on natural life. When we center our lives on ourselves we miss out on listening to people vent about their troubles, laughing at clumsy mistakes, sitting outside breathing in the sunshine and enjoying creation.

Everyday people perform the same routine and do not even think about it. Is life supposed to be like a machine? Is there more to life than just a daily routine? Or do we have a purpose?

We need to stop living to die. Material objects, money, self gratification are going to eventually fade away.

As a follower of Christ I believe life does have a purpose. I know days are few and I want to live every day fully. This means I do not want to focus precious time on things, which are temporary. I want to build relationships with people and be a blessing to everyone around me.

I want to focus my life on God’s plan because I know he has one for me. In the Bible stated in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

I am sick of people living like they are dead; it shouldn’t take almost death to make us realize life is valuable.

Horjus even before he went to the hospital was planning on being a missionary to serve God. He went on a mission trip to Hong Kong a few years ago and found he had a passion for the people of China. He wants to serve God with his whole life and has enough faith to get him through a tumor.

After many prayers of Horjus’ healing, a few days ago the tests on his tumor came back negative, which means no cancer. God is awesome!

Remember: live everyday fully and do not consider it just another day.

God Bless:

Love the Princess

Please comment!

A&E Briefs for April 23, 2008
Compiled by Ashley VanderLoon

Kiss of the Spider Woman
May 15th-25

...performs at Spectrum Theater beginning on May 15th, at 8 P.M. It is actually an adaption from the book by Manuel Ping.

The musical stars a gay man by the name of Luis Alberto Molina in a Latin American country. He has fallen for a diva named Auroa, who plays a role as a Spider Woman.

He is scared of this role she partakes, and the worst part is that the Spider Woman conceals a deadly kiss. Luis is serving his sentence in prison of 8 years for convicting a minor and he is almost completely lost in his fantasy life taking him away from reality.

In prison, he meets many others and this musical introduces his quest for true confession. Tickets are $25.

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Current Edition:
April 23, 2008

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