Code Red Entertainment hosted the Warriors Got Talent show last Friday night on campus. Upon entering the event center, the unusually warm temperature in the room made the refreshments table look particularly inviting. The table was flush with complimentary bags of popcorn, buckets of lollipops, rows of cookies and water bottles with condensation slowly trickling down the side.
While waiting for the show to start at 6 p.m., there was only a handful of audience members occupying the many seats available. The line at the door had held up the majority of the attendees, leading to the show commencing 35 minutes late.
CSU Stanislaus students who made it through tryouts had the chance to showcase their talents, which ranged from singing, dancing, playing instruments, performing spoken word, doing impressions and cake decorating. Admission for students and community members was free, and audience members also had the chance to enter into a raffle.
There were many technical difficulties with music and microphones, which made the event drag on, but the talent show acts themselves were entertaining and crowd-pleasing.
One standout performer, Nidal El Nounou, delivered impressions of personas including Arnold Schwarzenegger, the famous movie trailer voice of Hal Douglas and various Family Guy characters.
Nounou ended his performance doing a perfect Obama impression that he likes to utilize while ordering Taco Bell at the drive-thru.
Each of the winners chosen at the end of the show likewise gave exceptional performances.
Third place went to Gilbert Songalia for his spoken word poetry. Songalia warmed up the crowd with a short and hilarious haiku about the ducks and their droppings around campus. He then delivered two original poems with such passion that there was a volatile sparkle in his eye, and his flawless rhythm kept the crowd drawn into his romance-inspired poems.
Victoria Boyington earned second place with her singing and guitar playing. Boyington was not the most technical guitar player to compete, but she complimented her simpler song with strong vocal skills. Her voice was powerful yet hauntingly beautiful. Her performance recalled a female Johnny Cash incarnate, with the chorus of the song repeating, “You won’t need no man.”
First place went to talent show newcomer Van Dinh for his solo hip-hop dancing skills. Dinh, who is also a street performer, plans to use his winnings of $300 to invest in dance opportunities and out-of-town performances. He offered words of inspiration after winning the big prize.
“Go out there, have fun, be you,” Dinh said.
“When an opportunity comes, just take it.”