Phi Sigma Sigma (Phi Sig) showcased its annual talent show in the Gottesman Hall of Kessel Student Center on Thurs. Nov. 14. The event acted as a platform for Pace students to come forth and exhibit their hidden talents.
Dean Lisa Bardill Moscaritolo, Residence Assistant and Alpha Phi Alpha brother Sungi Clark, Director of Student Development and Campus Activities (SCDA) Rachel Carpenter, and alumni Sammie Finch and Vinnie Birkenmeier were the five judges of the night.
“We judge based on fun, crowd enthusiasm, and talent,” seasoned and fourth time judge, Vinnie Birkenmeier said.
The acts ranged from strolling, to singing and poetry. Phi Sig sisters lined the near wall of Gottesman to cheer on fellow sister and host, Brianna Finelli.
Act One opened with fire as junior David Goldstein’s acoustic Dave Matthew’s Band cover had the crowd swaying with flames, followed by freshman Danielle Huebner’s vocal debut. Alpha Phi Delta’s (APD) newest class, Beta Psi, swiveled their hips to Psy’s “Gangam Style” while other musicians and poets such as Donald Dudley, Rachel Aviles and younger biological sister of a Phi Sig member lined up for their shots at the first place prize of a fifty dollar gift card.
The short intermission, complete with pizza, sandwiches and soda, was followed by The Alphas’ step-and-stroll which brought the show into its second half. Their synced choreography and whistles brought the energy in the room up higher to make way for junior vocalist and bass guitarist, Francesco Blandino and freshman drummer, Joe Casarella. The tag team let it rip with an Ozzy Osbourne cover of “Crazy Train” and followed it up with Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.” Blandino exited the stage after the second song while Casarella stayed for one more tune that had almost every girl in the room ready to unhook their bras.
“I’ve only been playing guitar for two years,” said the business marketing major, who strummed out Florida Georgia Line’s “Cruise.” “I chose the song because I am seeing them in concert this weekend and also because it’s a crowd favorite – girls love it.”
Casarella definitely knew his audience.
The new class of Alpha Lamda Sigma (ALS) brought it back to the 90s with Destiny’s Child’s “Independent Woman”. The three girls strut their purple and teal letters across the stage and in front of the judge’s panel to land themselves third place in show. ALS’ girls were alone in reaching out to Beyoncé to help attain a winning title.
Junior education major Abigail Bucknor was able to achieve dead silence in Gottesman for the first time all night.
“I like to see all the performers,” senior international management major Cindy Delgado said, “but I come back to hear Abigail sing.”
Bucknor, who won second place in 2012 and first place in 2011, gave the crowd goose bumps with Beyoncé’s “Listen” walked off of the stage to a standing ovation and chants of “encore”.
Buckner is encouraged by her peers to compete on shows such as American Idol, but she feels that her talent may be outshined by her competition. Her humility and undeniable talent landed her in first place for the second time this year.
Long-time competitor and junior APD brother Ryan Shields holds the second place title. The soloist and his guitar had audience members cheering and singing throughout his entire performance.
Act Two concluded with performances by Phi Sig’s Beta Zeta class’ dance to a Ke$ha mash-up and senior vocalist Emily Riehle.
“The event is so successful because of all of the support that Phi Sig gets from the Pace community,” senior nursing major Arielle Winters said. “Almost all of Greek life co-sponsors and we have a lot of participants.”
Proceeds from the Phi Sig Talent Show went towards Phi Sigma Sigma and its philanthropy, the National Kidney Foundation.