On the night of Wednesday, May 30, the Cultural Forum put together a memorable evening featuring a rowdy performance from Zion I and Lyrics Born. It was an excellent way to carry on the long weekend vibes and keep everyone excited for the weekend. Plus, what better way is there to keep everyone relaxed before the stresses of dead week and finals?
Naturally, with the show being free, the EMU lobby was packed with enthusiastic students eagerly awaiting a chance to let loose. Once the limited wristbands were given out, students left in either excitement or disappointment. The staff claimed that capacity was reached; however, the entire back half of the EMU Ballroom remained empty for the show.
Regardless, hordes of students flocked into the ballroom just in time for Zion I to take the stage. The Oakland, Calif., born-and-bred hip-hop troupe overwhelmed the crowd with their charismatic stage presence.
Eamon Cohen,@@http://directory.uoregon.edu/telecom/directory.jsp?p=findpeople%2Ffind_results&m=student&d=person&b=name&s=Eamon+Cohen@@ a University junior, said, “The sound was low quality, but Zion I provided an energetic performance that got me moving.”
While the sound may not have been up to par for some, there was no shortage in energy from both Zion I and the students in attendance.
Zion I performed a short but efficient set. They made their way through classics and kept audiences singing along throughout the show. “Antenna,”@@checked@@ one of the group’s tracks from 2009, was a big hit among students screaming the chorus. With quick shout outs to Eugene and the University community, Zion I kept things interesting and diverse. They closed out the show with their legendary tune, “Coastin’.”@@checked@@
Students spent the entire performance pushing their way up to the front of the stage, overwhelming security and even leaping onto stage for a chance to bask in Zion I glory and fame. Security made countless efforts to keep these efforts subdued, but soon enough students outnumbered them, and the stage turned into an unorganized dance floor.
The Cultural Forum@@http://culture.uoregon.edu/@@ put together a fun-filled night, which for the most part went smoothly.