The Martin Luther King Commemorative Celebration will conclude its two-week festivities with the MLK Performing Arts Night tonight at 6 p.m. in the Music Recital Hall.
The night is dedicated to promoting art forms like dance, music and poetry, as well as creating a conducive environment for diversity and learning.
The performing arts night will showcase many University students and Baton Rogue residents’ talents, said Paige Chenier, human resource education senior and student coordinator for the MLK Commemorative Celebration Committee.
“MLK was all about diversity and bringing people together, so the MLK Performing Arts Night is a great way to bring the different talents that people have all together,” Chenier said.
“Some people dance, some people sing, some do like spoken word poetry, so that’s just like a different way to show the talents people have.”
The last event in a four-part series commemorating the legacy of King, the MLK Performing Arts Night is “different and the most relaxed event,” Chenier said.
“It’s last because it has the biggest student participation, so we like to go out with a big ‘bang’ every year,” Chenier said.
Students who attend will be surprised to see some of the performers, Chenier said.
“Some people may have classes with the participants,” Chenier said. “They’ll be like, ‘Wow, that person is in my class, and they’re an awesome dancer.’ It’s just a great show, and the participants love to do their stuff.”
Participant Dana Dolliole, communication studies senior, said she loves performing for the show.
“This is my fourth year doing it, and it is an amazing experience,” Dolliole said. “With the MLK Dance Ensemble, we practice and love to perform for the commemorative celebration.”
The show also features performances by the University Gospel Choir, Chenier said.
“The LSU Gospel Choir is going to sing at the event, and they are great,” Chenier said. “The MLK Dance Ensemble is doing a Beyonce song that they’re really excited about. They’ll have their attitudes, and they’re going to ‘whip their hair’
everywhere.”
Other performances include rapping, duets and a group of other diverse acts, Chenier said.
“The performers range from freshmen to seniors, and it’s a great feeling to how everyone is getting involved,” Chenier said. “There’s just a lot of great acts going on.”
Student response has been exceptional in the past, Chenier said.
“This is usually the event most students are excited about,” Chenier said.
Dallas Amond, mechanical engineering junior, said the learning and entertainment values will attract many students, including himself.
“It sounds like it’ll be a lot of fun,” Amond said. “Learning something I wasn’t aware of, it’s an educational experience that students should look into.”
The event is just about celebrating life and having fun, Chenier said.
“The event is more fun, laid back and just about showing your support for your fellow students,” Chenier said. “It’s a free show, so everyone should come.”
 
—-
Contact Kittu Pannu at [email protected]