Tradition of PoBev: More than just poetry and beverages
A crowd builds, with a stage in sight. No dull moment is within the light. Poetry is but one thing Utah State University students bring to the list of talents on display at the Poetry and a Beverage event.
Commonly referred to as PoBev, the activity is a treat to all who attend. Beverages are not the only treat available, either. Over 1,000 individuals attended the first PoBev this semester, in September. And another PoBev will be held Saturday Oct. 10.
Why go to a place that has poetry in its title? What is PoBev and how did it all start?
It is usually those who are, or have been, involved with the event that know the most about it and its goals.
“PoBev builds on itself each time,” said Sarah Winder, a journalism major at USU and last year’s Arts and Lectures director. “I believe it use to start in the Walnut room. It grew and grew until it was too big for that room. PoBev is a way for all students to express themselves in a fun way. That is what what it is all about.”
Another student behind the curtains of entertainment is Nate Dukatz, a management information systems major and Traditions Director for USUSA programming.
“My goal with it is to want to feature artists at the end of Pobev. Adds an exciting aspect, like a concert but with open mic,” Dukatz said.
During PoBev in September, an entire stage stood before the audience as act after act came to entertain. Those who were at the back of the International and Sunburst Lounges of the Taggart Student Center reached to the Marketplace wall, where many mingled and talked. Everyone could have free cookies and beverages provided by volunteers. This is the scene offered at each PoBev event.
PoBev has had a lot of time to develop. This entertainment activity occurs once a month.
For something named Poetry and a Beverage, there is a lot more music and singing than actual poetry.
“It started small and was in the Hub for awhile. It adapted as more people nowadays are attracted to different things like music,” said Dukatz.
From a humbler beginning in a smaller room, the Walnut room, to taking the whole Hub area in the TSC, to filling even bigger areas, this Poetry and a Beverage adapted to the changes of entertainment over the years and attracted more and more attention.
The whole purpose of what Winder and Dukatz stated has proved to be true: Students getting a chance to express themselves in a fun way without restriction. Let PoBev continue to inspire!
—beemormon@gmail.com