Variety Show Expands As Students Share Their Talents

There was more than one reason to attend this semester’s Variety Show, and it wasn’t just for Dr. Mathew’s clever humor. Students showed off their talents this past April 9 at Yuba College’s Variety Show, which included dancing, singing, rapping and a martial arts demonstration. Music professor Dr. Robert Mathews hosted the event which allows students to have the opportunity to share their talents with the community. Over 80 people gathered at the Yuba College theater to watch the performances. “It was our biggest show so far,” says founder Israel Gonzalez. “It was by far our biggest turnout.”

This year’s Variety Show featured an original rap by Isaac Oliver entitled “Fresh Soap Suds,” a pair of love songs written and performed by Frankie Sanchez, a tap dance to “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” by Ruth Rogers, and a demonstration of the Blue, Red and Black belt forms of the Korean-based martial art Kuk Sool Won by Sarissa Jerome. “It went better than I thought it was going to,” says Jerome, referring to her demonstration.

Also included in the show was Ashley Swezter who performed Kelly Clarkson’s “Because of You,” Karla Hyatt who performed “It Is You” with Jin Williams on piano and Dr. Mathews on flute, a Thai dance by Nancy Xiong, Shenga Her, Mai Lou Thoa, Suzanne Xiong and Lorie Xion, and a a cappella performance of “Mr. Sandman” by Karla Hyatt, Skye Della-Rocco, Jin Williams and Brittney Zearfoss. “I think I did pretty good,” says Swetzer. “I did better here than at the rehearsal and the audition.”

The Variety Show first began three years ago when student Israel Gonzalez approached Dr. Mathews with an idea to have something similar to the music department’s Tuesday Noon Music Recitals, but have it open to any Yuba College student who might want to share their talents. “We hesitated calling it a talent show, as that might imply that it would be judged,” says Mathews. “We were after a friendlier feel for this show.”

Dr. Mathews would like to see the Variety Show expand each semester with more and better acts. “We would eventually like to offer a day show for students and a night show, which more people from Marysville and Yuba City could attend.” Mathews would also like to see more variety in the show. “This semester included a tap dancer and a martial arts demonstration, which is a step in the right direction,” says Mathews. “Shows in the past had a lot of music, which is fine in itself, but it would be nice to include more dancing, or even have a comedy routine.”

Mathews hopes that this year’s Variety Show will inspire others to share their talents next time. “We want to make Yuba College a place that offers students more than just classes,” says Mathews. “We just want the students to know that they have a place to share their talents and see what other talented Yuba College students are out there.”