The artistic selections ran the gamut from ballad to head-banger; poetry to impromptu, each performance compelling for a myriad of reasons as wide-ranged as the performers themselves.
It’s called ‘Java House,’ an occasional talent show, for lack of a better term, that spotlights the less traditional skills one might encounter on campus. Students, many adorned in pajamas while savoring cups of hot cocoa, assembled last Thursday evening in the breezeway at San Marino High School on couches brought in to provide a more authentic feel. As the temperature dropped, the attendees chose shared bodily warmth to repel the chill.
Arianna Prappas and Matt Derrick – who displayed his skills on the ukelele – provided a top-notch version of ‘Let’s Get Rich Girl,’ and Prappas added a solo ‘Is There Somewhere?,’ one of her favorites by Halsey. And, based on the response, one of the audience’s top picks as well.
Michael Dumont pleased those of us who not only remember the 70s but actually survived them with a redux of the Allman Brothers’ ‘Melissa,’ which he dedicated to Keenan Taw (why not?). And Mark Reimers warmed up his guitar for several high-energy selections, during which several girls in the front row strained as if in an effort to touch one of the Beatles.
“It’s really awesome that you came out to support artistry,” said Reimers. “You can never get too much of it and it’s always free.”
And where in today’s ultra-competitive educational environment can one enjoy something as simple as poetry. Java House, that’s where, and Justine Ramos rose beyond the occasion.
“I can’t sing at I can’t dance,” Ramos quipped when she took the stage. In her rapid-fire delivery, Justine went on to dispense such heady lines as “tragedy and silence have the exact same address,” what do you do when your guardian angel gave two weeks notice and don’t bother to tell you?” “It doesn’t matter if your glass is half empty or half full, just drink it up.” and “you are still alive, act like it!” Each was received with equal enthusiasm and repetitive cheers of “write a book!”
Emerson Liu and Victoria Castreje followed with an energetic keyboard (Emerson) and dance (Victoria) number.
Others performing included Mason Blake, Ava Hargett, Matthew Lee, Alexa Wong, Inez Leon, Vivian Hale Morosoff, Lincoln Nelson, Janice Wan, Nicole Lin and Jack DeLorimier.
The event was masterfully emceed by the colorful Ezra Lee.
Check out a gallery of photos at sanmarinophotos.com
