To many students, October not only means a change in seasons but also a change in study habits. Gone are the blithe and sun-filled days of September. Say hello to papers, tests, midterms and more midterms. Need an excuse to blow off homework? The Tufts Association of Latin American Students (A.L.A.S.) and Onyx Magazine are providing a sweet and calm respite to the hours of studying.
Tufts welcomes the return of Poetry Café, a traditional event held annually. Taking place tonight at 8 p.m. in Alumnae Lounge, there will be guest performances as well as members of both organizations and volunteer students performing, according to senior Vanessa Rojo, president of A.L.A.S.
The month of October has been designated Latino Heritage Month to raise awareness about Latino issues in the United States and abroad. A.L.A.S. and the Latino Center have an impressive lineup of activities running until the end of the month, including Poetry Café.
"We have a lot of events going on - educational discussions, film screenings, an art exhibit, a comedy show and a social event in Sophia Gordon.
"Poetry Café [offers] more relaxation," said Rojo. This event will showcase Tufts students' poetic skills. According to Rojo, one should expect singing, spoken word and whatever else performers want to do.
Students signed up beforehand to perform, according to junior Leila Rush of Onyx. If you want to be onstage, and just didn't sign up in time, don't worry. There will be a session during Poetry Café to let people speak freely - "kind of like an open mic," Rojo said. According to Rush, in the past they have seen many students and attendees at their events come with no intention of speaking or performing, and during the event they are inspired and use the open-mic time to express themselves. The speakers' performances will not be constricted; there will be no limit on the open-mic time.
Don't expect a completely mellow atmosphere, however, because there will be a rabble-rousing, bringing-down-the-house performance by none other than Blackout, Tufts' all-male step team. Demonstrating their popularity, Blackout drew a large and captivated audience during this year's Homecoming pep rally. Blackout will be performing their routine during the intermission. If Blackout's stomping and clapping doesn't get your adrenaline pumping, what will?
Poetry Café, unlike some of the other events during Latino Heritage Month, is completely student-run. Both organizations contribute performances, with A.L.A.S. providing emcees for the evening. They are also splitting the production cost of the evening.
"The idea for this event has been underway since early September. As with all events, and especially with the collaboration of two groups on an event, obstacles do present themselves. We have been fortunate enough to have a sound support system and rely on multiple forms of communication to get things done," wrote Rush in an email.
The organizations have also been quite active in advertising tonight's event through word of mouth, Tuftslife.com, the Tufts calendar and flyers around campus. Due to all the vigorous advertising, A.L.A.S and Onyx Magazine expect a large turnout.
"We want everyone to come; [to have] a good time, to relax from midterms and to learn about Latino Heritage Month. We want the Tufts community to come together," said Rojo.
Poetry Café presents the opportunity to chill and appreciate the artistic talents of your fellow Jumbos. If that isn't enough, Rojo added, "We'll have Dunkin Donuts."
