arts/entertainment

PAGE 6 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM Spring playlist to keep you dancing through finals

BY ANA OELENBERGER

Staff Writer

As we continue striving to finish schoolwork, I have created a springinspired playlist to motivate and inspire you to finish the semester strong. A blend of contemporary pop and worship music, this playlist is sure to rejuvinate you.

1. “Let It Happen” by Tame Impala

I discovered Tame Impala through a Youtube video of their 2019 Coachella performance. Some of my absolute favorite songs are “Let it Happen,” “Borderline” and “Yes, I’m Changing.” They never fail to make you dance.

2. “Adore You” by Harry Styles

Harry Styles’ entire album “Fine Line” has some of the brightest spring vibes. The album is filled with playful and energetic songs like “Adore You,” “Fine Line,” “Golden” and “Watermelon Sugar.”

3. “Blueberry Faygo” by Lil Mosey

Even though this song is from last year, I still love the happy beat “Blueberry Faygo” gives. This song is a hit on any playlist.

4. “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift

The incredibly talented pop icon has re-recorded her 2008 album “Fearless” with some fantastic updates to her original and nostalgic sound. “Love Story” had me the most excited.

5. “Swing Lynn” by Twin Cabins

Need a warmer seasonal song with some easy and smooth vibes? “Swing Lynn” reminds me of a beautiful sunset over the lake when the night sky mixes with the water. It has mellow tones and good lyrics that you can just melt into.

6. “Just Like Magic” by Ariana Grande

I really enjoy a lot of Ariana Grande’s music and “Just Like Magic” from her “Positions” album is definitely one of my favorites. Other fun songs from this album include “Off the Table” and “Shut Up.”

7. “So Will I” by Hillsong United

This is one of my favorite worship songs. Its lyrics artfully express ultimate trust. Hillsong uses elements of nature to display God’s faithfulness, creativity and love.

8. “Sweeter Place” by Selena Gomez

With a softer, more elegant tone, “Sweeter Place” is a carefree song that I can’t help but love. I love her vocals mixed with Kid Cudi’s on this track.

9. “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa

This song became really popular on TikTok last spring, and I still think it’s a great one to jam out to. Dua Lipa has a powerful ‘don’t mess with me’ attitude that empowers listeners.

10. “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye

Although this song is an older one, it’s still a great song about moving on after heartbreak. For the summer, “Somebody That I Used to Know” is a song that has a nostalgic feel while still keeping every emotion tightly in line with a groovy xylophone beat.

The steel drum class performs at the first of two concerts. Their next show is on April 15 at 5 p.m. (photo by Erica Wilmath)

Steel drum hosts tropical concert

BY ERICA WILMATH

Staff Writer

Ouachita’s steel drum band hosted its first of two performances at the Rachel Fuller and Ouachita Singers Amphitheater on April 6 at 5 p.m. The band provided popcorn and snow cones to the faculty and students that attended.

The band’s concert sold the Caribbean theme that they advertised in promoting the event. Attendees wore leis provided by the band and band members wore tropical outfits, all of which immersed the audience in the feeling of a cool summer evening on a tropical island.

Between each song, Music Professor Dr. Ryan Lewis asked audience members a variety of trivia questions that challenged the crowd’s knowledge of tropical places and cultures.

Dr. Lewis teaches the steel drum class, which is open to beginners, every semester.

Junior graphic design major Erica Dixon joined steel drum on a whim her freshman year and has stuck with it ever since.

“I met a lot of people that I never would have met otherwise,” Dixon said. “I’ve decided to do steel drum for the rest of college.”

Senior elementary education major Mason Holder values steel drum because he feels he can express himself authentically.

“Tiger Steel is a place full of fun times and great music where I can truly espress myself without the fear of what others think of me,” Holder said. “It offers a source of freedom that I do not experience in other places.”

Each band member’s excitement on stage quickly set the tone for the audience. Watching everyone dance and genuinely enjoy themselves was nearly as exciting as the music itself.

The concert provided authentic entertainment for both the people that came to support the band and for the band members themselves.

“I can’t wait for the next concert. This was one of the most fun events I have been to this year,” sophomore Kinley Ritter said.

This performance from the steel drum band was just what the Ouachita community needed during this season. The overall highlight of the event was not the popcorn or even the snow cones, but witnessing the way that the members of the band interacted with one another while performing.

It was clear to see that beyond their passion for engaging and enjoyable music, members of Tiger Steel also have an authentic chemistry while performing with one another.

The band has one more tropicalthemed concert on April 15 at 5 p.m. at the amphitheater. Be sure to come prepared with a lei and tropical trivia facts.