Kappa Alpha Theta’s Concert for CASA
This past Friday night, the Distler Auditorium was packed, every seat filled for a completely sold-out show. Kappa Alpha Theta held a benefit concert for CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates, an organization that recruits and trains adult volunteers to advocate in court for children in the foster system. The fundraiser was a great success–the concert pulled huge numbers of ticket sales with its lineup of various performance groups on campus. Public Harmony, a music community service organization, opened the show with a cover of Lorde’s new single “Solar Power.” Their ensemble band had everything from bass guitar to violin and had a massive chorus to back up the lead vocalist. They were followed by two dance groups who always bring the energy. BlackOut Step Team performed one of the sharpest, most well-executed step routines I’ve seen anywhere, and Tufts Pulse, our classical-fusion Indian dance team, put on an incredible show. Pulse competes nationally (and does well nationally!), but for us they performed their “Campus Cut,” where they dance to a mashup of traditional and Western music.
The concert also had Tamasha, Tufts’ Bollywood Fusion Dance Team. They’re another group with amazing stage presence, and do dynamic routines that combine Hip Hop, Bollywood, contemporary, Kathak, Bhangra, and Jazz styles of dance. The show truly displayed almost the entire spread of Tufts dance teams; Tufts Middle Eastern Dance and Tufts Tap also had numbers, and Encendido, the Latinx-inspired dance team, had a bachata piece.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a show of performance groups on a campus somewhat known for its acapella without some representation from the non instrumentally-inclined, and Concert for CASA did not disappoint. Enchanted sang a beautiful rendition of “Rainbow Connection,” the Jackson Jills did two of their classic songs, and the Beezlebubs closed the show with Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.”
After over a year of no performance groups being able to hold in-person shows on campus, the Concert for CASA was much needed. It’s not surprising it was a sold out show. Not only are performers dying to perform, but the student body as a whole really missed events like these. Being able to experience the talent and the passion of every performer in each of these unique groups is such an essential part of going to Tufts. The students that join these groups are incredibly dedicated to their craft, and it makes watching their shows such a joyful experience. Whether you’re interested in performing at Tufts or not, you’ll find your place either among the talented performers themselves or the supportive and excited audience that shows up for them every time.