Photo by: KJ Mushung

Music and gaming are quite possibly two of the most popular pastimes for college students. So it’s no surprise that MAGFest, a music and gaming festival that was held very close to Northern Virginia Community College’s Alexandria campus last year, completely sold out. People had to be turned away at the door. That’s why the event has been moved to National Harbor, so it can accommodate more bands, games and people.

This year’s MAGFest will take place Thursday, Jan. 5 through Sunday, Jan. 8.

If you haven’t experienced it, MAGFest is an annual event in the D.C. area dedicated to the celebration of video games and video game music. The event offers 24-hour console, arcade and PC game rooms, usually 12 live video game cover bands, a vendors’ area, along with guest speakers from the video game industry. The festival also features a jam space available to all attendees for impromptu music performances.

In addition to providing bands that play the gamut from rage to melodic and tons of games — from brand new to antique arcade — MAGFest will also hold its second annual charity auction benefiting Child’s Play.

According to MAGFest’s public relations rep, Nick Marinelli, Child’s Play was created by the web comic Penny-Arcade in 2003 in order to raise money for toys and games for children in hospitals. Donations are used to purchase new consoles, peripherals and games for hospitals and therapy facilities. These donations allow children to enjoy age-appropriate entertainment, interact with their peers, friends and family, and provide vital distraction from an otherwise unpleasant experience.

Last year’s charity auction raised over $5,500.

Thousands of dollars worth of merchandise have already been donated from bands, video game developers, electronics manufacturers and more. The auction will be held the last day of the festival.

For more details about MAGFest, visit magfest.org.

Photo by: KJ Mushung

Photo courtesy of MAGFest

Trumpet player Chris Gallo, guitarist Ian Spencer and vocalist Dave Bausch of the band Dave Bausch and the Worst Case Scenario take a break from practicing. Photo by: Stephanie Tipple.

Dave Bausch and the Worst Case Scenario decided to make it a best case scenario on Thursday, Dec. 1, when they held a charity concert at the Woodbridge campus. The event, hosted by the Tutoring Club, was an effort to raise money for the local ACTS food bank by selling refreshments during the concert. (ACTS stands for Action in Community Through Service.)

The band, based out of the Stafford area, is an organic combination of ska, rock and R&B musical stylings, with a theatrical stage presence that leaves a distinct impression. They are led by lead singer and producer Dave Bausch.

Dave Bausch and the Worst Case Scenario originally started as a solo act, leading to production of a CD that is available for purchase on iTunes. Over the past several months, this party of one expanded to include Ian Spencer on guitar and Chris Gallo playing trumpet.

This event was a chance for the band to get their name out in the local music scene.

The crowd was energetic and vibrant, enthused to hear songs like “Not You” and “Our Alibi,” which could be part of the CD that the band hopes to record in the near future. The songs’ lyrics are based on real-life situations that many college students can probably relate to.

Bausch’s main passion in life is his music, and he hopes that the band will be able to “make it” with their unique approach to music and their personal fashion, which included a trench coat, a zoot suit and a Hawaiian-patterned shirt.

When speaking about concertgoers’ experience when attending one of their shows, Bausch said, “If you enjoy dance music that makes you want to sit down, then come see our shows.”

Almost $300 was raised for the ACTS food bank in Dumfries.

Daquan Paige performs "Swim Good" by Frank Ocean at the Loudoun NOVA Idol auditions. Photo by Carina Thornton.

Ana Guerra
Staff Reporter

It’s back. Northern Virginia Community College’s popular singing competition, NOVA Idol, has returned and the crown is up for grabs yet again. NOVA Idol has gained much popularity throughout the past years through intense competition and even a little controversy.

Last year’s first-place winner, Jasmine Williams, is also the daughter of the vocal coach for NOVA Idol. The first-place achievement by Williams raised eyebrows, leaving people wondering: can the judges cast a sincerely unbiased vote when a colleague’s daughter is competing and a large amount of money is on the line?

That’s right. Students are not just competing for a title or a medal. Four thousand dollars is awarded to the first-place winner. The second-place winner receives $2,500. And $1,000 goes to the third-place winner.

The cash prizes do not have to be used toward schooling; the money can be utilized as the winners see fit.

This year’s auditions ran from Nov. 3 to Nov. 15 at the various campuses.

Those chosen will move on to the semi-finals, judged by previous NOVA Idol winners, to be held Friday, Jan. 20, 2012. Students are invited to attend this performance. The judges will select six contestants to perform at the finale on March 23 in the Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center at the Alexandria campus. The votes of both the audience and judges will be tallied to determine the first, second, and third-place winners.

For more information, visit NOVAIdol.com.

Performing "Chasing Pavements" by Adele, Krista Frost sings for a chance to move on to the semi-finals at NOVA Idol. Photo by Carina Thornton.

Zach Boren sings "Your Song" as performed by Ewan McGregor in the movie, "Moulin Rouge." Photo by Carina Thornton.

Bria Daniels, a student at Potomac Falls High School, performs "Hypothetically" by Lyfe Jennings. Photo by Traci Brooks.

Kristin Deegan, a student at Robinson Secondary School, earns positive feedback from the judges for her rendition of "Who You Are" by Jessie J. Photo by Traci Brooks.

Erik Johnson, a student at Loudoun Campus and employee at the UPS Store, sings "Superstar" by Luther Vandross. Photo by Traci Brooks.

Erika Anderson sings "I'm Going Down" by Mary J. Blige while auditioning at the Alexandria campus. Photo by KJ Mushung.

Robert Duquette auditions for the 2012 NOVA Idol competition by singing "The Christmas Song" by Mel Torme. Photo by Kama Storie.

Jin Shin auditions for the 2012 NOVA Idol competition by singing "Open Arms" by Journey. Photo by Kama Storie.

Alexandra Langley auditions for the 2012 NOVA Idol competition by singing "Hero" by Mariah Carey. Photo by Kama Storie.

A lively performance by Mari Gragne, a ministry student from Woodbridge campus. Photo by Dave Gent.

Vanessa Lopez, an education student, at the NOVA Idol auditions. Photo by Dave Gent.

H. James William Jenkins, an engineering student, impresses the judges panel with his own song. Photo by Dave Gent.

Courtney Quick, a student from Manassas, likes what she hears from the judges. Photo by Dave Gent.

Kyung "Sophia" Lim, a science student from Manassas, performs for the judges at the NOVA Idol auditions. Photo by Dave Gent.

Matt Nathanson brought his All Night Noise tour to D.C.'s infamous 9:30 club for two sold out performances on September 27 and 28. He entertained the crowd with his signature wit, unexpected covers and heartfelt songs. Photo by Traci Brooks.

Matt Nathanson at the 9:30 club. Photo by Traci Brooks.

Mark Sawasky, world renowned percussionist, and NOVA Music student, gives audience members a chance to try his world instruments during the kickoff of the Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations at Annandale campus. Photo by Kama Storie.

As students made their way up the stairs toward the CF plaza and cafeteria at the Annandale campus of Northern Virginia Community College on Sept. 21, one could hear loud music playing and singing but quickly realize it wasn’t in English. What they would have been hearing might have been a live Mariachi band, a salsa or bachata singer, or a Reggaeton duo, all of which were played that afternoon as part of the Hispanic Heritage Festival put on by the Hispanic Student Union.

Ivonne Alonzo, vice president of the HSU spoke of the importance to have different types of music in hopes of making other students aware that the Hispanic culture and its people are not “simple people that are all about Reggaeton.”

Reggaeton is a type of music characterized by a fusion of Latin rhythms and hip-hop or rap. It quickly spread worldwide due to its contagious beats along with its risque dance style commonly known as “perreo” which means “doggie” referring to the explicit sexual overtones. Richard Bautista, the advisor to the HSU, also expressed the importance of telling others about the diversity of the Hispanic community and noted that this was a way to show and tell.

The festival kept the students’ attention by interacting with them. Two students from the the club came on stage to give salsa and bachata dance lessons, and many of the boys and girls standing around didn’t have to be asked twice to join in and start learning the moves. A Zumba instructor was also present to give a high-energy aerobics lesson that incorporated music in Spanish with fast-pace rhythms.

HSU hosted other events to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month. A special speaker and poet was featured and a workshop about music and instruments of Central America and Latin America was held.

Mark Sawasky, world renowned percussionist, and NOVA Music student, demonstrates world percussion instruments during the kickoff of the Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations at Annandale campus. Sawasky is sitting on a Peruvian drum called a Cahon. He holds a Brazillian instrument called a Berimbau, and he taps the beat with his foot on an auxilliary percussion wooden block. This brilliant musician has studied with teachers from around the world, and has toured all 50 states with his band, Immigrant Sun. You can find Sawasky's music on iTunes, Amazon.com, and Facebook. Photo by Kama Storie.

Album cover courtesy of Josh Welch

Free food, internships and late night study sessions comprise the genetic make-up of many college students’ lives. But singer Graham Colton, who will be playing Oct. 1 at Jammin’ Java in Vienna, pursued a decidedly different college legacy.

“I went to college for about a minute,” Colton joked in an interview with NOVA Fortnightly. “I felt very separated from college life. Some people really thrive in that atmosphere, and I just felt overwhelmed.”

Prior to college, Colton spent most of his time doing what any young male from Oklahoma would do: playing football. But after high school, he decided to dedicate himself to music, a passion he’d had since childhood. Instead of socializing at fraternity parties, most weekends he could be found in a corner of a bar, singing and playing guitar for anyone who stayed late enough to hear him.

But Colton’s honest lyrics and straightforward melodies soon rocketed him out of the open mic scene. In 2002, his demo found its way into the hands of Adam Duritz, the singer of the band Counting Crows. Colton joined them as the opener for their tour, and later signed a record deal as the Graham Colton Band with Universal.

In 2004, he released “Drive.” 2007 brought “Here Right Now,” which featured the hit single “Best Days.” In what Colton called a “huge milestone,” that song became the iTunes download of the week, as well as the exit song for the television show American Idol for several weeks.

He continued to tour relentlessly, playing with John Mayer, Kelly Clarkson, Dave Matthews Band and Maroon 5.

Some might attribute such success to the support and marketing only a major record label could give. But Colton noted that while the music industry is thriving, the record business is in a state of transition. While grateful for the time he spent on a label, Colton decided to part ways with Universal and began working independently on his most recent release, “Pacific Coast Eyes.”

“It was such an amazing experience,” Colton said. “It reminded me of those first initial days making my first demo in college. Everybody involved in the process just cared so much about it. I think you can kind of hear that in the music.”

“Pacific Coast Eyes” traverses through the musical landscapes of heartache, love and hope that many songwriters tackle and fall short of saying anything remotely profound. Thankfully, almost a decade of songwriting and performing makes “Pacific Coast Eyes” being one of Colton’s most interesting and symphonic efforts yet. His signature, aching vocals are in full force on “Our Story” and “Graceland,” tracks that examine broken relationships and the hope for restoration. Sing-a-long choruses don’t leave the ear, and simple rhythmic beats keep the songs structured while still allowing room for melodic exploration.

This album pushed Colton into the realization that honesty in songwriting didn’t necessarily mean he had to put himself into a song to connect. Instead, he began writing songs about people he’d never met, characters whose stories he felt compelled to tell.

The title track from the album is one such song, where he tells the story of a girl finding her way out to the West Coast. “Say your goodbyes, your pacific coast eyes start to close, and I’m on the outside,” he sings. The subtle sarcasm in his songs has been a trend in Colton’s songwriting and provides a reward for those sharp enough to catch it.

Despite his success in the industry, Colton is going back to basics. He called touring the “number one focus” to get fresh experiences to translate into songs.

“It’s funny to me. I’ve almost been doing this 10 years,” Colton added, “and I just now feel like I’m sort of remotely figuring it out.”

Starting Sept. 22, Graham Colton and Ben Rector will hit the road on “The Good Time Tour.” For more information, visit grahamcolton.com.

Aside from being fantastic musicians, all five members of the band — Jabarie Brown, Krystal Kovalick, Danny Tilman, Carter Pennell and Adam Lee — join in on the singing and are clearly having as much fun as the audience.

If you want a chance to hang with Flow In The Dark, can check out their website for upcoming gigs at flowinthedark.com.

Photos by: Kama Storie

Photo by: Kama Storie

Washington Saxophone Quartet will present a free concert on Saturday, June 4 at the Mary Louise Jackson Amphitheater at the Manassas campus of Northern Virginia Community College, located at 6901 Sudley Road in Manassas.

The venue will open at 7 p.m. and the performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. Free parking will be provided next to the amphitheater. In case of inclement weather, the show will be rescheduled for June 5.

Reginald Jackson, Rich Kleinfeldt, Rick Parrell and James Steele make up the Washington Saxophone Quartet. For nearly 35 years the quartet has performed recitals, informal concerts and master classes in the United States, the Caribbean and China. They have also performed on radio and television worldwide. The ensemble taps into a rich repertoire, from early music to newly commissioned works, and it draws on a wealth of experience to reach listeners of every age and background.

Since 1997, recorded arrangements by the Washington Saxophone Quartet have aired daily throughout the United States on NPR’s broadcasts of “All Things Considered.” Concert audiences enjoy their connection to the group when they discover they’ve been listening to the quartet’s music during afternoon “drive time.” Many are surprised to learn they’ve been hearing four saxophones. The instruments evoke the refined sounds of a string quartet, the rich harmonies of an organ prelude and the excitement of a jazz sax section.

The performance is part of the Summer Evenings Under the Stars series, made possible with funding from the NVCC Educational Foundation. Series sponsors include County Chevrolet and NOVEC.

For more information, contact Amanda Corrigan at 703-530-8298 or acorrigan@nvcc.edu.

Jasmine Williams sings It's a Man's World by James Brown

NOVA Idol 2011, the singing contest held annually by Northern Virginia Community College, was marked by a concert of great singers performing for five judges, including Tony Perkins from Good Morning America, and a venue packed with family, friends and other guests of the performers. In fact, the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center on the college’s Alexandria campus was so full on March 25 that, according to Meredith Aquila, secretary of NOVA Idol Planning Committee, people were turned away at the door. The center’s marketing manager, Linda Vitello, said the auditorium’s capacity is 991.

The talent displayed on stage filled the evening with melodic high notes and tuneful pitches. There was a bountiful bumper crop of brightly shining stars performing that night, some of whom were already gaining traction on their own. Several contestants have songs out or are working on albums.

Lauren McLeod from Loudoun campus is releasing her first album this summer, along with some iTunes releases.

Laura Manzer, also from Loudoun, has songs out on iTunes and has sung “The Star-Spangled Banner” at a NASCAR race.

An exclamation of: “Fabulous! A great way to start off the night,” from Perkins regarding McLeod’s performance commenced the college judging for the evening, and though for the most part she received great reviews, a few of the judges were more critical of her performance.

The next performer was Manzer. When it was announced at the end of her performance that the show was sold out, she cried out, “Where’s Mama?” to the charmed crowd and judges. Upon the completion of her song “Broken Wings” by Martina McBride, Judge Dr. Robert Petrella declared, “Next stop Nashville. There’s something that I call the goose-bump factor, and you gave me goose-bumps.”

Perkins called Manzer, “the best voice of the night so far,” with five singers down and eight to go.

“The delivery was splendid,” stated Judge Kenji Brown of Martina Green’s performance of “I’m Here” by Fantasia. Perkins agreed, “You owned that song. It meant something.”

Of Elaine Lopez’s performance of Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing,” Brown said, “The fidelity of your voice is amazing.”

Petrella called Jasmine Williams’ rendition of “It’s a Man’s World” by James Brown “a soulful performance.” Perkins added: “A 19-year-old girl singing that song — brilliant.”

The winners for the college portion of NOVA Idol included Elaine Lopez with third place, Martina Green with second place and Jasmine Williams with first place. Despite a stellar performance by the winner, that first-place title isn’t held without some controversy.

Juanita Williams, vocal coach for NOVA Idol for two years running, is mother to this year’s college winner, Jasmine Williams, as well as the high school winner from NOVA Idol 2010, Ashley Williams.

Terri LaGoe, a contestant for NOVA Idol in 2010 and a NOVA student who has been involved within the vocal section of the music department at NOVA since 1977, said, “I find it a little disturbing that [Juanita Williams’] family members keep winning. There may be an advantage there…There’s a potential for a conflict of interest.” She went on to say, however, “I have to say that the daughter that won last year performed well.”

CJ Marble of Freedom High School sings Because I Love You by Lenny Williams and eventually goes on to win the title of High School NOVA Idol 2011. / Photo by: Momin Haq

“It doesn’t surprise me that they won. They were incredible performers,” said Dorothea Kamara, an audience member for this year’s NOVA Idol and music major at NOVA, referring to Juanita Williams’ daughters. “I can understand why some people would think it is a conflict of interest.”

When asked if there was a conflict of interest regarding Williams’ daughters, Brenda Lewis-Holmes, Assistant Dean for Communication Studies and Theater and Executive Director of NOVA Idol, said, “Not really. [Williams] explains up front if her daughters are in the competition. If her daughters are in the competition, then she won’t judge auditions.” However, she went on to say that once Williams’ daughters are in the competition, “This lady cracks the whip on everybody, but she rehearses her daughters less [than everyone else].”

This explanation from Lewis-Holmes doesn’t take into account the fact that as their mother, Williams will have more access to her daughters outside rehearsal, and the idea that there may be some loyalty among the judges. The night of the event, Williams was hugged warmly by one of the judges and wished good luck numerous times. The whole atmosphere was one of camaraderie and family. In this kind of atmosphere, can truly unbiased judging take place?

Kelley Kime sings Steal Away by Etta James. / Photo by: Momin Haq

According to Lewis-Holmes, the winners were chosen based on four criteria. The first was song selection: did it suit the singer’s voice range and singing capability? The second was vocal consistency, which included quality, pitch, breath control and intonation. The third was presentational dynamics, which encompassed stage presence and likeability. Finally, there was interpretation, which was the mood and feeling of the piece performed.

When asked how much weight was given to the judges votes, Lewis-Holmes asserted, “The judges have 50 percent of the weight, and the audience has 50 percent.”

With so much of the weight depending on the audience votes, vocal student Debbie Peetz expressed her belief that the show becomes a popularity contest.

The high school finalists placed thus: fourth place went to Padideh Guodarzi, third place was awarded to Joao Versos, Devyn Metz received second place and first place went to CJ Marble.

Judge Lucy Holsonbake actually called out Marble for being “pitchy,” meaning that he didn’t hit some of the notes correctly, and Judge Petrella criticized him for tone difficulties. However, he was praised highly all around for stage presence.

When asked how many people Marble brought to the performance, he replied, “My immediate family, friends and church family.” He said his church family amounts to approximately 200 people. “I’m pretty sure all of them are here,” said Marble.

So, when someone brings 200 people to a competition that partially relies on audience votes, one must ask, is it a talent competition or more of a popularity contest?

Though the evening was most certainly entertaining, and talent abounded, there is a question of the fairness of such a competition.

“Keeping the contest fair is a high priority. We want to see the professionals honored,” said Aquila.

According to Mimi Carter, stage manager for NOVA Idol, there is an idea circulating to make the voting available to those watching the performance online, which may help to make the voting more balanced. Aquila remarked, “I think the internet voting needs to be considered.”

The question remains, however, is this competition fair? Should family members of employees or contractors of NOVA Idol be allowed to compete? Tell us what you think at NOVAfortnightly.com.

Laura Manzer/Photo by: Kama Storie

Erika Anderson competes in the 2011 NOVA Idol competition backed by dancers and The Texas Chainsaw Horns./Photo by: Kama Storie

The first-place prize for the college winners is $4,000, second place $2,500 and third place $1,000.

To enjoy this auditory feast, all NOVA students, faculty and staff need do is show up at the Schlesinger Center of the Alexandria campus at the date and time listed above, flash their NOVA ID cards, and they will be admitted for free to witness the launching point for perhaps many a musical shooting star.

For the general public, admission costs $10.

Doors open at 6 p.m. So, come behold the magic of blossoming stardom. Who knows, you may be downloading their music in the not-too-distant future.