On Monday, April 21, the Music Industry Developers and Innovators (MIDI) hosted Finals Fest at the Prof’s Place, where scheduled performances were from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. These performers included Craig Stites, Megan Smith, Amanda Valentina, Savannah Harper, Alex Luna, Mike Meza, Mike Mash, Kingmizonthabeats, Nico Davis, Room29, Samantha Jorgensen, Nikki Dunne, and Chway. 

This was followed by open Mic/Karaoke from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., which welcomed anyone who wanted to sign up to perform. Students were able to collaborate on both work and music, creating a space where they could work on homework, hang out, and enjoy some performances from their peers for free. 

Free food and drinks were also provided at the show, with pizza coming later into the night.

Chris Arriola, a junior music industry student at Rowan and secretary of Rowan Midi, was the producer of this event, which is their first-ever showcase, and hopes to help students showcase their music in a low-effort environment and have fun.

“We’re currently trying to just get it out to more people because we know that people have maybe preconceived notions that you have to know music, but we’re trying to create a community that, like, no matter what level you’re at, you can come and just enjoy music,” said Arriola. 

Amanda Tropea (Valentina), a junior music industry major at Rowan, and Joe Shields, a senior music industry major, who performed their original songs, “Pluto,” “Interlude II,” and “The Sigh of My Guitar,” spoke about how this was their first performance together and will also be playing at Hollybash on Friday.

“Well, I’ve never really performed like like my own music like this before, but like we’re kind of working on starting a band and like releasing my own original music, so I thought this was a good way to practice performing, but then also have people see it know my name, I guess, as an artist,” said Tropea.

The Finals fest started with Craig Stites, a sophomore music industry major here at Rowan, performing “Take on Me” inspired by its version in “The Last of Us Part II.” 

“Music is an important part of how the world works,” said Stites.

As the night went on, the room became more lively as performers took to the stage to sing and dance. Different students showcased different talents and even original instrumental music. Between some segments, the mic was opened to the audience to perform their songs as well. Audience members brought instruments of their own and took to the stage to share their music and covers of their favorite songs. 

When the sun went down, so did the lights, turning the Profs Place into a scenic and comfortable place full of support for creators and performers alike. Guitar strings strummed as more and more students joined in. There was strong encouragement for each performer, with each singer being cheered on by the audience and friends alike. And at the end of the night, the last hour of the Finals Fest was dedicated solely to open mic. 

Rowan MIDI is open and free to all Rowan students, whether you are a music industry major, a singer, or just want to sit back and watch some live music. So, students who enjoy singing or are music enthusiasts can experience a showcase similar to this at the next Rowan MIDI event.

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