The Omnibus

Issue date: 4/27/07 Section: Gallery

Media Credit: Zach Henderson Junior Sarah Colbert looks on while freshman Atley Black performs an acoustic set at EMU Fest. Black was one of twelve acoustic acts.

I'm going to go ahead and say it: EMU Fest was the best show Southwest Baptist University has ever had. Over 16 different acts, a diverse selection of music and a day-long event to benefit the anti-depression organization To Write Love On Her Arms combined to make one heck of a Saturday.
EMU Fest began at noon Saturday, April 21 with a six-hour block of acoustic acts. The acoustic session was led off by freshman Nathan Staley, followed by Atley Black, also a freshman. Black's acoustic guitar riffs and powerful, soulful voice echoed from the surrounding buildings.
Another act to mention is that of freshman John Davis. Showing the most musical talent of an already very talented group of performers, Davis played a set resembling what most would expect from piano rock legends such as Ben Folds or Elton John.
Twelve acts total performed in the acoustic session of EMU Fest. The crowd ranged from between 70 and 100 at any given time, as spectators came and went throughout the day.
At 6 p.m., there was a two hour break in order for EMU Fest to move its operations across the street to Ingman Hall to set up for the night session.
The rock show began at 8 p.m. with sophomore Ontario Whiteside, accompanied by freshman Ashely Walker, sophomores Tyler Wilkins and Martha Thomas and junior Robert Barrow.
Whiteside's gospel / soul set was an incredible display of vocal prowess, his vocals matched extremely well with Walker and Thomas. The set undoubtedly set the tone for a very diverse night of music.
After Whiteside was freshman Andrew Reeves, who performed a folk set. Those familiar with Reeves' music had quite a surprise, due to the fact that he performed Saturday's set with a backing band, as opposed to his normal acoustic set.
The band was comprised of sophomore Dustin Gamble on bass, Bolivar High School sophomore Joe Still on electric guitar / harmonica and former student Joey Viggers on the drums.
Reeves' set was up to par with popular folk acts such as Bright Eyes and Ryan Adams, which is quite a feat to accomplish. Not only was the set an incredible display of musicianship on the part of all four performers, but Reeves' lyrics bring his music to a level far beyond the typical "garage band" scene.

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