January 24, 2017

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TUESDAY JANUARY 24, 2017 VOLUME 106 ISSUE 20 www.UniversityStar.com

PRESIDENTIAL

Strutters add to high profile performances By Denise Cervantes Lifestyle Editor @cervantesdenise The Strutters showed their hill country pride in maroon skirts, and white cowboy hats and boots as they strutted in president Donald Trump’s inaugural parade Jan. 20. Students took to social media to show support for the team as the Strutter’s marched in Washington D.C. Twitter user @mykaylamichelle stated “best part of this parade is seeing the Texas State Strutters on the national stage.” Twitter user, @eviemacs said watching the performers at the inaugural parade gave her “chills.” While vacationing in Mexico, Strutters Director Tammy Fife, received a phone call last December confirming the drill team had been accepted to perform in the inaugural parade, according to myStatesman. Fife began researching events and performance opportunities during inauguration week, early last year. This is not the first time the drill team has performed in inaugural parades. The Strutters, founded in 1960, performed in Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, Texas State alumnus, inaugurations. On Dec. 21, the Strutters announced they “cannot wait for this once in a lifetime performance opportunity” on their Facebook page. During this time, online users took to social media to express their mixed feelings and backlash towards the Strutters announcement. Soon after tweeting their announcement the drill team took down their Twitter page. Rebecca Bell-Metereau, English professor, said she was disappointed after learning the Strutters would be performing at the Inauguration due to the university honoring diversity as one of their core values. “I think it’s just sticking their head in the sand,” Bell-Metereau said. “I think eventually they will regret this decision and that it’s not going to bring a sense of pride or anything good to Texas State.” Nancy Wilson, former Strutter and Texas State alumna, was a part the Strutters in 1987 and 1988. Wilson said she learned how to conduct herself as a “lady” and reminisces doing kicks in the field under founder and dance team director Barbara Tidwell. Wilson said the Strutters inauguration performance should be honored for their hard work. “My whole thing on it is good for them,” Wilson said. “Those women work so hard and put in so many hours for basically just a half time show. No matter who our president is we have to

The Texas State Strutters perform in the 58th inaugural parade. PHOTO BY BRI WATKINS | NEWS EDITOR

get behind him because if he’s not successful then our country isn’t successful.” Antonio Rivera, political science sophomore, said he asked himself why the stutters would want to perform at the inauguration. “I think it’s insulting to the different communities,” Rivera said. “Whether it be women or Latinos. I was initially

outcry to not perform from its university community, the team has failed to decline the invitation.” The petition received 256 signatures. Lonvis Naulls, exercise and sports science junior and co-founder of BLMSM, said the university is focusing more on advertisement rather than upholding the values of their student body and community.

“While this may not sit well with a lot of people. You follow through the commitment that you made because you have an obligation. I think that’s one of the things I learned while being a Strutter.” - Canipe Lax confused and then I kind of thought it may be something big for the Strutters.” Black Lives Movement San Marcos (BLMSM) began a petition asking the Strutters to decline their invitation to perform at the inauguration. “The Texas State Strutters have announced their excitement to perform at this year’s inauguration,” the petition stated. “And even with a social media

“When they’re (Strutters) dancing they’re still representing the university as a whole,” Naulls said. “And yes you may have had an invitation and you accepted it and didn’t know who the president was but once you realize who the president is you should think ‘I don’t want to represent the university in that way’”. Marty Canipe Lax, former Strutter

and Texas State alumna, said she was excited and had no negative thoughts after learning the Strutter’s would perform at the inauguration parade. Canipe Lax was a Strutter in 1976 and 1978 under Tidwell as well, she said she learned confidence and social skills while being a Texas State Strutter. “While this may not sit well with a lot of people,” Canipe Lax said. “You follow through the commitment that you made because you have an obligation. I think that’s one of the things I learned while being a Strutter.” Canipe Lax said people should focus more on the performance rather than the politics. “They are committed to the obligation they signed up for,” Canipe Lax said. “It’s not so much for the party as it is for the event. It’s just an unusual environment, I’m proud of them and I’m excited for them I think they should look at it as an opportunity to stand tall.” The Strutters have also been a part of multiple NBA and NFL halftime performances. In 2012, the Strutters performed in Macy’s Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. In 2014, the Division of Dance at Texas State was named in the top 25 dance programs by dance-colleges.com.

RESTAURANT

The Root Cellar Bakery invites an acoustic atmosphere By Mark Otte News reporter The Root Cellar Bakery has ushered in a new era of music with its first offering of Acoustic Fridays. With its blend of trendy and rustic environment, the upscale coffee house has created an intimate setting for quality regional acts to unplug and let the acoustics of the venue’s wood floors and high ceilings do the work. While the shop is known for its desserts and caffeinated beverages, owner Kyle Mylius wanted to use the downtown locale to offer an alternative to the traditional nightlife in a college town. With the addition of cocktails, select beers and wine to the menu, Root Cellar Bakery can transform from a coffee house to a hip hangout, day or night. As a musician himself, Mylius saw the number of stages dwindling for upand-coming artists and well-established names to perform in and around San Marcos. “We have so much great talent and so few outlets,” Mylius said. “So when we saw some of the other venues closing, we decided we would open our doors as a venue for those artists.” The bands will perform “stripped down” versions of songs music listeners may already be familiar with. This not only opens a new platform from which bands can be heard but also gives listeners the opportunity to hear a band play without the overpowering amplifi-

second week of performances, playing to a crowd of about 20 fans. “It was really nice,” said Karisa Simon, house manager at the bakery, about Ewing’s performance. “It was just him and his guitar, and we had a good turnout for him.” Root Cellar Bakery has been at its 142 N LBJ Dr. location for nearly three years and now has drink specials during happy hour from 6-8 p.m. A full list of the bands playing in the intimate venue will be online soon at www.rootcellarcafe.com.

Barista Karisa Simon tends to the bar at The Root Cellar Bakery. Located at 142 N LBJ Drive, the bakery offers guests craft coffee drinks and homemade pastries. PHOTO BY MELISSA UECKERT | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

ers. For the inaugural event—which took place Jan. 6—Mylius searched his own ranks for talent, letting some of the bakery staff and sister company, Root Cellar Café, staff take the stage. Top billing for the event went to the indie-rock band, Those Nights, followed by Don Rich Boys, and their roots-style music with just a touch of throwback honkytonk. Mylius says customers can expect to hear a broad range of music, but the plan is to have acts that are a cut above

your average coffeehouse open-mic night. “We won’t be featuring one particular kind of music on our stage,” Mylius said. “We also have plans to bring in some big-name draws to the venue that we are excited about.” While those big names are still being kept under wraps, those currently in the queue to take the stage are Canvas People and David Beck, formerly of Sons of Fathers. Grant Ewing took the stage on the

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January 24, 2017 by The University Star - Issuu