Profs Place came alive Monday night with the music and mysticism of Profs Spotlight. The event showcased the many talents of the students at Rowan. Throughout the evening, singers and a magician performed 20-minute sets enhanced by games, prizes and freshly popped popcorn.

The first act to take the stage was Gina Donovan, a junior radio, television and film major. Donovan came prepared with a smile and her acoustic guitar, performing songs that included Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me,” Britney Spears’ “Hit Me Baby One More Time,” and a heartfelt original composition titled “Incompatible.” Her bright laughter, smile and routine were very well received by the audience and kicked the evening off to a fun start.

“I feel like it could’ve been better,” Donovan said. “I was a little pitchy, but it was okay. I’ve never done that before, so it was okay for a first time.”

Donovan’s original song drew an immensely positive reaction from the crowd.

“I dated this guy and he didn’t treat me too well,” Donovan said. “But I kind of gave him the benefit of the doubt. I thought maybe once I get to know him things will get better, but then he broke up with me without getting to know me.”

It was this emotional experience that inspired her original song.

Between sets, the event coordinators took audience volunteers for hula-hoop contests and other games for t-shirt prizes.

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Freshman music industry major Daniel "Penny" Meth plays a variety of songs.-Contributor/Miguel Martinez

Next was Aaron Lee, a freshman biochemistry major, who performed card tricks and illusions for the audience. Lee took audience volunteers to act as his assistants and predict their cards. While accomplishing acts of sleight-of-hand and other tricks that played on the viewer’s memory. With so much viewer participation and a fresh, dry sense of humor, Lee’s performance drew cheers and jeers from the Profs Spotlight audience.

After Lee’s magical performance, Penny Meth, a freshman music industry major, took the stage with his striking purple hair, denim jacket covered in patches and blue acoustic guitar.

“Yes, the last name is real,” Meth said. “And no, I don’t have a sister named Crystal.”

He performed a mix of songs, including covers and his original “You Probably Don’t Even Know This Song’s About You,” that even got some members of the audience up and dancing. While playing, Meth broke the E string on his guitar, but that didn’t stop him. He adjusted his set accordingly and kept playing.

“I really liked someone and they started dating someone else, but I’m best friends with them,” Meth said. “I haven’t even released it because I’m afraid they’re gonna figure out it’s about them. So, I’ve only played it live.”

Concluding Profs Spotlight was a performance by Jane Jung, a freshman biology major. Jung sat on a barstool with her acoustic guitar and sang a soulful rendition of “House On A Hill” by the Pretty Reckless. With an original composition titled “Lucy.”

“I’m pretty spiritual,” Jung said, explaining the inspiration for her original song. “I did a lot of research on things like meditation, lucid dreaming, astral projection and stuff that sounds crazy, but is apparently achievable through meditation and spiritual practice.”

The next Profs Spotlight will be held again at Profs Place on Nov. 6 at 9 PM. Any student who wishes to perform at the next showcase must sign up for a time slot online via Proflink.

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