Students, community invited to find ‘Release’

“Release,” a music festival, is set to bring more than 30 artists and musicians May 1 to Memorial Hall. Though the event is set for 7:30 p.m., the time is subject to change.

2010 marks the fourth anniversary of “Release.” According to Jovan Mays, senior of Aurora, the event began as a way for local artists to have a platform to express their talents.

“This all started before the Bean Broker was around. It was sort of a forerunner of ‘Open Mic,’” Mays said.

Some of the performers include: the United Hip Hop Family, a break dancing group out of Albuquerque, N.M.; Paige Salter, an accomplished singer out of Chattanooga, Tenn.; and May Kit and Dwight Forcey, indie rock musicians from Denver.

In addition to musicians, slam poets from Denver and Omaha will present their work.

The rest of the show will revolve around local talent, the majority stemming from Sigma Tau Delta’s “Open Mic Night,” as well as other acts like Chadron High School’s “Cardinal Singers.”

According to Mays, some of the performances will be longer main acts, while others will be short, transitional sections.
“We’re really focusing on production this year. We’re trying to make a seamless show,” Mays said.

“The definition of ‘release’ is freeing one’s self through music. That’s what makes this different. Talent is freeing one’s self,” Mays said.

This event is free to the public, and all age groups are encouraged to attend.