Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. showcased musicians, comedians at Apollo night

The room resembled a wedding reception, said comedian Chico Bean. Students gathered in Goldstein Auditorium last night for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.’s annual comedy show. However, this time the performances included more than just comedy. 

This year, the event was titled “Sigma Night at the Apollo,” which is a take on the decades old “Amateur Night” at the Apollo Theater — a talent competition for rising entertainers at the Harlem theater.  

As a historically black fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma’s chapter president Chuka Soronnadi chose to riff on the Apollo, the theater that was instrumental in the development of R&B, and jazz, according to the theater’s website. He said he felt this was a necessary event to highlight minority students at a predominantly white institution. 

The night began when Bean took to the stage as the host. He is best known for his role as a cast member on “Wild ‘N Out,” an improv comedy show created by Nick Cannon. Laughs erupted throughout the auditorium when Bean took the stage in between the acts. 

Bean first introduced The Future Kingz, who urged everyone to stand directly in front of the stage as they performed. The Future Kingz are a dance crew from the suburbs of Chicago that  appeared on season 13 of “America’s Got Talent” before being eliminated in the quarterfinals.  

Students rushed on the stage when hypnotist, The Incredible Boris, took to the stage and asked for volunteers. Nearly 30 students went on stage to participate, but that number quickly dwindled as some students weren’t affected by the hypnosis. Boris’ routine ranged from putting students to sleep to having them do popular dances. He also made one student forget her own name. 

The night ended with music performances by LA-based singer Arin Ray and Atlanta singer Jacquees. 

Jabril Alston, an SU junior, said he enjoyed the event and liked the variety of acts. 

“The event was great, it was a combination of different things. They had some good artists (too). I’ve never heard of Arin Ray before, but he seemed to have some good tracks,” Alston said. 

SU alumnus and brother of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Jordan McGriff said he enjoyed the variety of performances. He said it felt good to sit back and enjoy the event instead of having to organize it like he did in the past, adding that he thought the show went well. 

The event benefited the March of Dimes charity and local middle school students in need of school supplies.  

While some of the acts went over their allotted set time, Soronnadi said he got good feedback from students and thought the show went well. He is glad that they were able to unite students on campus for a night of fun. 

“We wanted to switch it up this year,” he said. “We don’t want to make it sound like it’s only for this group of students. We wanted everyone to be comfortable to come.”