PHOTO STORY: R&B/ Hip-Hop Showcase

Elana Purvis singing out on the Fisher Center stage, Braden Simmons

Smooth drums, vocal riffs and bumping bass notes took over the Fisher Center Sunday night for R&B and Hip-Hop Showcase. 

To open the showcase, started with three vocalists harmonizing while shrouded in dark red lighting before Elijah Morman took to the stage.

Morman's backup singers opening R&B/ Hip-Hop Showcase, Samantha Graessle

His smooth vocals glided as some small drums and bass riffs backed his singing.

Island scenery, palm trees and the beach were showcased on the background screens.

His final song had a more old-school look rap opening with some riffs in between, while the three vocalists joined him center stage to harmonize with Morman.

He even got the crowd into the set by singing back the chorus vocals and having them respond back with the same vocal riff.

Morman singing out center stage to the crowd, Braden Simmons

A final riff brought the crowd to its feet as it clapped and screamed for Morman.

Jack Corcoran took over the stage and showcased more airy vocals and sounds.

Corcoran making his way centerstage, Braden Simmons

He was dressed in all white except for a punk lacy jacket which would change throughout his set.

His first song Aurora carried an airiness as he riffed through with his background vocalists.

The background showcased icecicles and then transitioned to a night sky and trees to showcase a change in tone.

Corcoran also changed to match the theme, donning a green jacket and more earthy looking jacket.

Corcoran in his second outfit of the night, Braden Simmons

Finally, one of his backup vocalists walked out with a sparkled aqua colored jacket as retro backgrounds spanned the screens for his final song.

He strolled back and forth on the stage airing out his vocals about boys and the troubles that can come from them as blues guitar riffs played out and the band continued to build up and swell with his vocals.

As he finished, his singers and backup band members each got a chance in the spotlight before the lights cut off.

Tyranny Pace, the third performer of the night, came out with a more lowkey production of himself, a guitarist and a drummer.

Pace strolling across the Fisher Stage, Samantha Graessle

In a sweater and jeans, he came as a change of pace on the evening with a rap sound. 

A dark stormy sky played out behind him on the screens as he rapped out his feelings to the crowd, walking back and forth across the front.

His second song was in honor of his grandmother and held a rock song with electric guitar riffs and harder drums playing in the background.

His final song had a strong sound and seemed to detail dealing with a lot of feelings and thoughts.

The fourth and final act Elana Purvis came out in a very colorful dress that matched the color scheme of the heart background that was scrolling across the background.

Purvis singing out in the Fisher Center, Braden Simmons

Her first song detailed about a strong crush that she had during her college career and had a playful song with strumming bass and guitar.

The crowd screamed out for more as she got ready for her final song.

Her final song came with mostly pink backgrounds and lighting and seemed to showcase an anthem in honor of women and how they attempt to navigate American society.

Naleieha performing and mixing different vocals and vocal sounds center stage, Samantha Graessle

While the judges deliberated, Eric Naleieha beatboxed center stage, keeping the crowd entertained through his different sounds and singing.

A set ranging from deep bass sounds to a synthetic EDM got the crowd engaged and cheering while the judges deliberated.

Purvis hugging her bandmates after being announced as the winner for R&B/ Hip-Hop showcase, Braden Simmons

The winner ended up being Purvis, who will compete at the Best of the Best showcase later this semester.

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This article was written by Braden Simmons with contributory photography from Samantha Graessle