Poetry and bagged juice
At the Sept. 11 poetry and a beverage night, or PoBev, a wide variety of students crowded the Old Main Hill Amphitheater. They all eagerly sipped their Capri Suns and munched on their Uncrustables as students shared their poems, songs, raps and jokes.
Both Ben Scheffner, the Utah State University Student Association series director, and Gage Duffin, a member of the series committee and the emcee for the event, both expressed this Utah State tradition is one of their favorite events they get to plan and be a part of.
“I love to see the great talent that we have at USU,” Scheffner said, “There are so many unique talents here, and everyone has something to offer. I just love the diversity here.”
“I love sharing the stage with all the performers, because there are so many diverse acts,” said Duffin, who has been a member of the PoBev team since 2018. This diversity was proved with the various acts performed at PoBev.
There was everything from Danise Gasio reciting a poem about 9/11 and honoring those who served, to a student rapping pick-up lines, to a feminist slam poem. One student, Kaleb Coulson, played a song he wrote called “Farmer Joe.”
“I wrote this song a few years ago,” Coulson said. “It’s about a mythical man named Joe, and he’s a farmer. I wrote it, and now any time I am having a bad day I sing that song and I feel good.”
Another act, performed by a quartet called Plant Based, was the song “Li’l Sebastian” from Parks and Recreation season 3, episode 16. Their lead singer, Isaac Woodruff, was filling in for Gabby Diamond, who called in sick that morning.
Joseph F Myers Band plays for hundreds of students at PoBev.
“I want everyone here to look up at the stars,” Woodruff said while strumming his guitar, “Pick one of them to be your Li’l Sebastian.”
This was the first time Luke Diamond, Woodruff and Ben Smith performed at PoBev.
“This was super fun!” Diamond said, “I love what they have going on here.”
Along with the 9/11 poem written by Danise Gasio, Bethany Fox wrote and performed a song about honoring and remembering the events that took place on 9/11. Students all felt a special kind of unity as she sang her words about never forgetting.
“I was born post-9/11, and pre-COVID. Some will be born post-COVID.” Fox sang. Her words were compelling and a wonderful way to tribute those who have lived through disasters.
Brooke Black played the song “All I want” by Kodaline. Students in the audience waved their flashlights in unison as Black sang her heart out on stage. Scheffner said the unity of students sharing their feelings, thoughts and love in front of their fellow classmates, is also one of his favorite parts of attending PoBev.
“It’s so much fun,” Scheffner said, “It’s welcoming. Every student is invited. Regardless of their background, they are welcome here.”