J’Mari Hughes—Reporter
Local performers with thousands of followers on social media and Soundcloud performed in the Lyman Center auditorium for Southern students and the New Haven community.
On April 16, Alpha Phi Delta hosted its first annual music festival on April 16 in the Lyman Center auditorium, which featured featuring local performers such as singer-songwriters Nicholas “Nick Rose” Costantini and Jamaal “Maaley” Sancho, as well as appearances by Demetri Smith and Noah “DJ Nohana” Ramos.
Alpha Phi Delta is a national Italian heritage fraternity, and the only one in Connecticut.
According to member Kyle Dearborne, a sophomore and communication major, said they have had the highest GPA on campus for the past four years and strive to become better college men. The fraternity puts on a benefit event every year, and this year decided on a music concert.
All profits from the event were donated to Chapel Haven Schleifer Center, a community organization that helps adults with moderate social and cognitive disabilities, which Alpha Phi Delta has been working with for the past year, Jacob Vicinus, a junior and computer science major, said.
Sancho is a 2017 alumni of Southern with a degree in vocal music, and a member of Alpha Phi Delta. His music can be described as hip hop/R&B with a taste of soul and barbershop. He performed original songs such as “MLK,” “Second Chance,” and “Selfish,” which, alongside Smith, got an encore as requested by the front row of swooning fans, whom Smith tossed his business cards to.
“I just let my feelings flow out. This is like my second home,” Sancho said. “I’m so comfortable on stage. I just feel like I’m meant to be up there.”
Sancho said he loves sharing his talent with the audience and seeing everyone’s emotions while on stage. The connection with the audience, he said, and the feeling of being free, is natural to him.
The music fest was a free event for Southern students and, to Vinicius, a great way to show support to the community and give back to Chapel Haven.
“It’s for a great cause,” he said. “We’re looking to expand on this and make it even bigger and better in the future.
Photo Credit: August Pelliccio
