PURPOSE BUILT
DROPPING THE MIC IN CASE DINING HALL Nothing pairs better with a group meal than great conversation, songs and storytelling. Aramark, the operator of EKU’s new Case Dining Hall, hasn’t forgotten that, partnering with EKU student groups to make the new facility more than just a place to grab a bite. One such group, Eastern Open Mic, recently held its first show in the new venue. The program, which was founded two years ago by music marketing major Dante “Racks” Beausejour, teaches students about performing, organizing and promoting live music. Today, EOM’s live performances bring in audiences of up to 300 students. “Case is a great venue. It’s big, everyone knows where it is, and it’s already where people go to relax and hang out,” said student musician Alonzo “Zotorious” Spears. Spears’ blend of rap and pop has already earned him a sizable fan following and put him in talks with a record label. For some student musicians, EOM is their first live performance. For more experienced performers like Spears, it allows them to fine-tune their stage presence. “Other than education, the number one thing you’re going to get out of college is experience. It’s about finding out who you are,” Spears said. “For musicians, that means getting out there, performing and finding out if the audience likes your music. It’s insanely cool that EKU and Aramark provide space for that.” Before the facility was opened in January, EOM was held in the Powell Building, the former home of campus dining. Students say it bodes well for Case Dining Hall that it continues to be a place where musicians get real-world experience and students can catch a live show.
26 SPRING 2018
