CALA-Bash to include some twists

The Claflin Arts & Letters Annual Bash is a yearly event sponsored by the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. (Photo via Dr. Luis Almeida)

CALA-Bash will return to Claflin University in April with a “few added twists.”

Panther reporters spoke with CALA-Bash chairs Dr. Eric Crawford, interim chair of the Department of Music, and Cornelius Cakley, chair of the Department of Art, to learn more about CALA-Bash activities from April 7-13.

“The events from Monday through Thursday will be the same, but there will be some changes towards the end of the week,” Cakley said.

The Claflin Arts & Letters Annual Bash is a yearly event sponsored by the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Originally a one-day celebration, CALA-Bash is now a weeklong event celebrating the university’s artistic values.

“Any time there’s a celebration of the arts, it should involve as many people as possible. … I think it’s a good time to get familiar with the arts,” Crawford said.

Crawford and Cakley confirmed that popular returning events include a virtual-reality game display, sip and paint, poetry slam, high school visits and face painting with the art department.

Events like the Greek Step Show, music performances by the Claflin Pep Band and the Vocal Jazz/Jazz Band, and the main stage performances and meltdown, will remain unchanged.

The main stage performers have not been revealed, but the budget will influence who is chosen, Crawford said. “The budget is very tight this year, but we’re trying our best to find someone.”

The theme for this year's meltdown has not been decided, but students are encouraged to suggest ideas.

Notable changes this year include a line-dance competition and more international vendors to showcase students’ different cultures.

“That entails [people of] different nationalities having their booths set up so that others can learn about different cultures and nationalities and make it more community based,” Cakley said.

The Claflin University Theater will present “The Color Purple.”

Cakley has high hopes for this year’s CALA-Bash and believes it will be an opportunity to further strengthen the campus community.

“It is a feel-good moment for the community and the college,” he said. “Students should understand that this is a community where you are welcomed, getting to know the talents that are there, the different departments that are there develops a sense of community.”

For those interested in participating in the line-dance competition, registration will be announced in the coming weeks. Students are welcome to assist and bring ideas for the advertisement of CALA-Bash.

Students can contact Crawford (ercrawford@claflin.edu) and Cakley (ccakley@claflin.edu) if interested or with any ideas, questions or concerns.