The Residence Hall Association (RHA) hosted their first event of the fall semester, Late Night Lounge, on Thursday, September 6 at 7:00 pm on the Residence Quad.
“It’s a fun event where studentscan come to showcase their talents,” said RHA member Thomas Beaufort, sophomore. From magic tricks to singing and performing original songs, Late Night Lounge is an event where students can express their creativity and talent. “There are a lot of gifted students at Monmouth so I really do expect a big turnout,” said Beaufort. Beaufort has been a general member of RHA for two years and currently serves as a Resident Assistant in Willow Hall.
Host Ashley Pacifico, junior, took the stage to welcome students to Late Night Lounge. “RHA is one of the biggest organizations on campus. We always make sure there is something to do,” said Pacifico. “ We w ant t o k now what’s going on with the students and we want them to enjoy their time here.”
Freshman Guy Battaglia kicked off the event by playing a cover of “Everybody Talks” by Neon Trees on his acoustic guitar. “I didn’t really understand what it (Late Night Lounge) was on the welcome week sheet but then I got an email about it last night that said ‘Open Mic Night’ and that caught my eye.”
Battaglia followed up his opening song by performing an original from his band 99 Regrets. “The guys in the band now have been with me for the past three years,” said Battaglia. Ed Cernera, fellow freshman came to watch Battaglia for “lots of moral support.”
Free food and drinks were provided to the students. Everyone that attended Late Night Lounge was eligible for the raffle prizes, which included a football, socks, a Monmouth T-shirt and gift certificates to Big Moe Taxi Services.
Eric Mochnacz, RHA advisor, encourages students to get involved and show off talents. Mochnacz has been working with the University for eight years and this is his fourth year advising RHA.
“It’s an alternative activity for students to do on a Thursday night,” said Mochnacz. “It is cosponsored by substance awareness so we want students to know and believe and give them an opportunity to do something if they don’t feel like going out to party or they don’t feel like going out to drink.” He adds, “It’s just a good time.”
Jackie Scugard, freshman, stopped by Late Night Lounge after she spotted a flyer in the underground walkway that was advertising the event.
“I’ve always liked coming out to these kind of performances where people go up and sing and show what they’ve got,” said Scugard. “Back in high school we’d have a Coffee Night and it’s very similar to this.” Scugard is no stranger to the stage, “I used to sing and do theater in high school.” She has been a part of stage productions such as “Sweeney Todd” and “My Fair Lady.”
“I’m an old pro at Late Night Lounges and Open Mic Nights,” said junior Jessica Severns. When asked what she was planning on performing she said, “I just kind of sing whatever hits me, and I just kind of go with the flow.” Severns is a big fan of jazz music, “‘At Last’ by Etta James is one of my favorite songs to sing. But people usually request Adele for me.”
Natalie Zeller received a standing ovation from audience members after she played guitar and sang two of her self-written songs “Bipolar” and “Blue Bird.” Zeller is a freshman and is a music industry major.
RHA will be hosting a number of upcoming events in the fall semester. Their next event is Battle of the Buildings, which will be held September 14 and 15. RHA also hosts Fall Fest, an annual event held on the quad and Winter Ball, which takes place every February. The first RHA meeting of the year will be held Wednesday, September 12 at 8:00 pm in Mullaney Hall.
PHOTO COURTESY of Alexis Orlacchio