Photo from stoneyroads.com
By Jim Lo
Contributing Writer
With an attendance of over 450 people, and a live-stream from the USG Facebook page with more than 100 viewers, information spread instantly once the event ended - Alison Wonderland, Joey Badass, and DNCE will be performing in Brookfest!
The line to enter went all the way down to the end of SAC Ballroom A, beginning at 7:45pm. Students who entered the audition were given free bubble teas, with flavors ranging from Taro, Thai, Coconut, Black Tea, Jasmine, Oolong, and Matcha.
As seats began to fill up, speakers Elizabeth Osei and Jonathan Yuen took over the stage. Student acts started with The Commas, followed by SWIM, Joel Polanco, Eric Maxton, and ended with Christopher Chan.
Both bands, The Commas and SWIM, did a great job performing, however the crowds were leaning more towards single performers. Joel Polanco performed with great passion, while his team members from the rugby club gathered around the stage with joy and excitement. Ending with an acoustic rap that he created himself, Joel brought his personal happiness into the night.
Meanwhile, Eric Maxton, who goes by the name Lou.E, threw himself into music that he created and hyped up the crowd with outstanding onstage performance. The charisma and confidence he showed to the crowd were memorable. Both songs that he performed, “Roll Out” and “6ixth Love” could be found on his SoundCloud.
As a rapper, Eric says “I’ve come to see that I get the best product when I just do things naturally. My plan is just to continue to do what I love to do, at the moment that is making music. Hopefully people will love the product as much as I love the creation of it.”
Christopher Chan surprised the crowd with his talented voice by singing “Don’t” from Bryson Tiller, combined with Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” and “Closer” by Chainsmokers. Furthermore, he successfully interacted with the audience when he taught them his verse, “You got me on speed dial, I’m your number one. I got you on free trial, send you back when I’m done.”
As a singer, Christopher says “I’m planning to release my own original songs now and I’m hoping to make music as an artist. I’m really excited to perform at Brookfest because it’s my first big break in getting people to know me and getting to know someone already in the industry like Joe Jonas and Joey Badass.”
Around 900 students participated in the poll to vote for the Brookfest’s Opening Act. Christopher Chan won the audition with 217 votes and will be performing as the headliner. Eric Maxton got 216 votes and will also be performing for Brookfest. There is no doubt that both artists will give their all to make sure that Stony Brook students live to remember this year’s Brookfest!