Cosplaying with character | pg. 8

MAGAZINE ISSUE 2 | NOV 2013

New spin onO ld School Fashions | pg. 4

Downtown and local at S an Pedro Square M a r k e t | pg. 6 Acclaimed comedy explores loss and role playing Thyra Phan EDITOR-IN-CHIEF text / image: Tanya Mutz Rochelle Beckel MANAGING & COPY EDITOR Coming to the Historic Hoover will dance to some hip hop tunes of Theatre this month is a comedic play the mid ‘90s. Alyxandra Goodwin FRONT OF BOOK EDITOR that dives into the world of fantasy “With the music and costumes, Tyresia Hargrove FEATURES & WEB EDITOR through the game of Dungeons and we’re jumping back to that time,” Anthony Nguyen ADVERTISING LIASON/EDITOR Dragons. Murphy said. “It’s a great blast from “She Kills Monsters” is not only the past.” Basil Sar PHOTO/ILLUSTRATION EDITOR From cartridges to discs, video for those who have played the game, Beyond the fighting and dancing, Video games evolve in the digital era games have evolved since their SJSU students’ Jonathan Marinaro ART DIRECTOR co-director Sean Murphy said, adding, sound designer Derek Batoyon thinks text / image: Juan Reyes conception more than 40 years ago. perspective on local Rebecca Charlton DESIGNER “The characters and the journey that the story is touching. they go on will resonate with the “Sisters who stayed apart From the first clunky, wood-grain Apple computer on a black and white arts and entertainment Elena Miller DESIGNER majority, if not all of us.” throughout their life get kind of a vinyl gadget to the technologically screen about a decade ago. (AWESOME!) Jolene Suggs DESIGNER The play features Agnes Evans, who second chance to be acquainted and I advanced sleek black boxes, video With scheduled releases of the Sarah Lin Bhatia GRADUATE ASSISTANT lives an average life until her younger think most people wish for some sort games have evolved since their new consoles out this month, Higham sister, Tilly, passes away. Agnes deals of second chance in their life,” Batoyon conception more than 40 years ago. said not a lot has changed as far accessfall2013. Douglas Rider GRADUATE ASSISTANT with Tilly’s death as she cleans out her said. “She Kills Monsters” premiers With the hype surrounding the as developers experimenting and wordpress.com Scott Fosdick EDITORIAL ADVISER old room and discovers a notebook Saturday, Nov. 16 at 8 p.m. release of Sony’s PlayStation 4 and recreating vintage games that many Tim Mitchell DESIGN ADVISER that leads her into another world. and the show runs until Microsoft’s Xbox One this month, grew up playing. “It’s escapist fun theater,” Dec. 7. Tickets range some folks forget how gaming started. “We can do more but the cover image: Basil Sar / illustrations: Elena Miller Murphy said. “There’s lots from $10 to $25. In 1967, German engineer Ralph interesting thing is some people of fights and there’s going Baer designed and developed the first still make video games the old way,” Before today’s digital revolution — Orianna Hillard video game console called the Brown Higham said, meaning people still to be lots of thematically (left), who will play before Facebook and YouTube were part appropriate gore from a ‘D Farah the Faerie Box. It had a measly 1-bit, black- use programs such as Game Maker in of one’s daily repertoire — were the days and D’ type world.” and Evil Tina, and-white graphic display with dots which they are able to use the same unhindered by technology. The days when In addition to exciting dances alongside representing the players on the screen structures and codes game developers Drew Benjamin people dressed up to attend fight scenes, Vangie and a single-channel or sometimes no first had to figure out in the days of a play, when video game Jones (right), who will Maynard, one of the audio at all. the 4-bit Atari 2600 and 16-bit Sega graphics were pixelated play the role of Orcus choreographers, said the cast and Ronnie in “She Kills Once Brown Box was licensed to Genesis. and seizure warnings Monsters.” Magnavox, people got a taste of what it “A lot of people have a nostalgia for did not precede Video New show brings Loss, laughter was like to play video games from the those kinds of games and that kind of gameplay. A time comfort of their own living rooms. The process for making games,” Higham when it was OK to games Jazz Age to life and LARP company used the same technology said. wear overalls (with grow up pg. Baer used and launched the first For SJSU senior Danny Nguyen, his one button unclasped) pg. One-man show brings jazz history to life and clunky Timberland pg. text: Chris Shyvers / image: Basil Sar official video game home console first experience with 2D video games called The Odyssey. was on a Super Nintendo. Nguyen boots. For a music style that originated Creer’s first one-man show, “Looking The white-and-black-trimmed box said video games were part of his life In this issue, we aim to in America and flourished for the Over the President’s Shoulder,” was was a cartridge-based console that because he was not allowed to leave the evoke nostalgic memories of better part of a century, jazz is regularly sold-out and so well received came with a pair of controllers and house due to the bad neighborhood. the past decades. From everlasting big band Retro nowadays only really heard on the that Cassetta decided to write “The a light gun. Games such as hockey, “It’s getting too real graphic-wise swing tunes to the evolving mix of disco and Downtown dining and radio, or in a few bars here and there. Duke” just for him. fashion table tennis and Cat and Mouse were when you go from pixels,” Nguyen house music and retro fashion, trends of One man, however, aims to bring However, this role requires singing, shopping thrive available but not very popular. said. “Then you start getting people the past have evolved with imagination and revival it all back to life in “The Duke, The acting and piano playing. integrated with contemporary society. Gavin Higham, a computer science who go crazy saying, ‘Oh, this game pgs. Count and Me,” a show presented by “She has upped the ante,” Creer said Inside, you will find an exclusive guide pgs. major and president of the SJSU Game affected my life,’ like GTA. The game the Tabard Theatre Company. of Cassetta. to San Pedro Square Market, where shopping Development Club, said his first has evolved a lot from a cardboard box A one-man show, James Creer is Music director Gus Kambeitz and dining become intimate experiences. Step Into Cosplay experience with old games was on an to 3D models.” Miranda Herman, our cover story subject, pgs. At SJSU and challenged to portray 18 characters, said fans of jazz could expect to hear shares a glimpse into her enchanted world of on the road from Duke Ellington to Fats Waller everything from ragtime era songs of cosplay. and more, said Cathy Spielberger the 1890s to big band swing tunes of the So, sit back, relax and reminisce with us, pg. Cassetta, the director who wrote the 1940s. but do not stay too long — we are in Silicon script with Creer in mind. “The Duke, The Count and Valley where trends and technology move “James is an amazing performer. Me” will play at the Theatre on James Creer will play He can sing. He can act,” Cassetta San Pedro Square starting this Sketch Hopkins as pretty fast. pg. he takes us on a Electronic Out and about said. “Writing for him is in many month from Nov. 1 to 23. musical journey Thyra Phan dance music ways very easy because he can do Tickets range from $12 to $36. from dixie to swing in November almost anything I can imagine him “I think this is going to be to jazz. and PLUR pg. doing.” my most challenging (role), pg. A script written for one person because I love jazz so much Editor-in-Chief The circus comes gets changed constantly, Creer said, and I love what I’ve learned,” to campus and “The Duke” was originally Creer said. “I hope I can rise to written for a cast of two. the occasion.” Nichelle Aguilar brings it back ’90s style in her handmade get the look pink overalls and vintage Retro fashion and culture redefined MTV tee. text: Kellie Miller / images: Basil Sar / illustrations: Elena Miller 1. Button-up 1. Shirt: shirt: $9.95 Tanita Jha rummages through her mom’s closet in Nichelle Aguilar, a senior child development major, $29.95 H&M an attempt to find a stylish yet comfortable sweater said people have told her that her style is a mixture of H&M to wear. “It’s funny because two or three years ago I a hipster, a hippie, an old lady, a little kid and actress 2. Belt: would have made fun of her and (been) like, ‘Why are Zooey Deschanel. 2. Bow tie: $16.99 you wearing this?’” Jha said, “but now I’m wearing “I’ve dressed like this since high school because it’s $19.99 Target them, so she always makes fun of me for that.” simple,” she said. Macy’s A variety of “old school” trends are re-emerging When shopping, Aguilar said she looks for pieces 3. Skirt: and infusing with today’s fashion trends, creating an that are fun, form-fitting and strange. She pulled out 3. Hoodie: $24.95 H&M era that comes off as classic with its own twist. what she called her “weirdest” outfit: a gray sweater $24.95 Zumiez Wearing leggings, a band T-shirt, a teal zip-up dress covered in a pattern of multicolored letters of the hoodie and knock-off Doc Martens, Jha, a freshman alphabet. 4. Pants: undeclared major, said she would describe her style as Aguilar said she pairs dresses with Doc Marten $29.95 “comfy” and that her favorite pieces to wear are boots, boots, once popular in the ’60s and worn by postmen, H&M Kyle Rogan Nichelle Aguilar high-waisted shorts and vintage sweaters from her police officers and factory workers. mom’s closet. “They’re manly but Jha said she tries to buy clothing from thrift I love them because they go stores such as Goodwill and Savers because they are with anything,” she said. I

ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTS T E M N E inexpensive and an easy way to recreate old fashion Like Doc Martens, E N M E T S

“Older trends I A styles. combat boots, T D R E V V E R “I really like M.I.A.’s style (because) she’s crazy, whether “tall, “I respect them and their music so I use D T A I

become ‘cool’ S T E M but mostly I’ll see stuff on other people or I’ll see stuff short, zip-ups them as one of the values that dress me,” N E E N M E T S and people put Renshaw said. He said his clothing choices online,” Jha said regarding her style inspiration. “I or lace-ups” are I A T D R E V V don’t want to say I make up everything because that “everywhere,” said often depend on his mood and that he uses E R D T A I

their own spin S T E would be a lie, but I try to be unique.” Melody Makhfi, a his personal values and beliefs to create M N E E N M E Initially Jha thought people were trying to be cashier at his style. T

on them.” S

I A T D R E “I think some old school trends are making a V V different by wearing old school fashion trends, but Forever 21. E R

— Kyle Rogan D T A I

S T observed that being “different” suddenly became “in.” Makhfi said elements comeback because ‘old’ is the new ‘new,’” Renshaw E M N E E N said. “Since the old school trends are not around M

“I think that trends cycle,” said Kyle Rogan, a of the ’90s are pushing their E T S

I A T D R E junior psychology major. “Older trends become ‘cool’ way back into the fashion world. anymore, bringing them back would be new and V V E R D T A I and people put their own spin on them. Someone sees From high-waisted bottoms to crop tops, the style of different than the current norm.” S T E M N E E N it and tries to emulate it and that goes on until it is a Kelly Kapowski from “Saved by the Bell” is returning. M E T S

I A T D completely different style.” Makhfi also said ’80s “punk” trends like band R E V V E R D T A

Rogan said he would describe his style as “clean T-shirts along with motorcycle jackets, forest green I

S T E M N E cut” and that he likes to wear bow ties, windbreakers items, army coats and acid wash jeans are in style, along E N M E T S

I A and tigers (shoes). By putting a “spin” on older trends, with the “rock ‘n’ roll look,” which includes layering, T D R E V V Nichelle E R D

Rogan creates a personal, signature look. leather, patches, studs and spikes — something she T A I

Aguilar shows S T E M N

Rogan said he gets style ideas from many sources, called “old school Madonna.” E off her teal E N M E T S

dress paired I such as Tumblr, but for the most part, he wears what Students like Joel Renshaw, a senior A T D R E with her V V E R he wants and does not feel like he fits into a specific kinesiology major, said his favorite bands inspire his D T A I

’20s-inspired S T E M style niche. style, notably the Red Hot Chili Peppers. N

t-strap plum E E N

M

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T T R E V D A T N E M E S I T R E V D A T N E M E S I T R E V D A T N E M E S I T R E V D A T N E M E S I T R E V D A T N E M E S I T R E V D A T N E M E S I T R E V D A T N E M E S I T R E V D A T N E M E S I T R E V D A pumps. S I (top) San Pedro Square Market lights up downtown San José. (middle) Every Friday night through October San José Jazz brought a new band to the Treatbot Poppy stage in the Peralta Adobe Courtyard. Local dining and shopping thrive in San José D text/images: Tanya Mutz i M Sharks fans yell at the big screen on the wall by the bar, o i glasses clink together as a waitress quickly busses a nearby o table and hundreds of conversations jumble together in a s noisy murmur. is is a typical ursday night scene at San Pedro Square P Market (SPSM), one of downtown San José’s hidden gems. h And while the two buildings and courtyard that make up SPSM are not always jam-packed, Destiny Simone, a server at M o B San Pedro Square Market Bar, said it does get fairly busy when a B r e K there is a local game on or music performed at the Market. C o interactive. 2 k e h spartandaily.com/ San José Jazz hosts concerts in the Peralta Adobe Plaza at r o n sanpedrosquare SPSM every Friday night from 7–9 p.m. e Market also brings e j t c o a dierent band to the outside stage almost every weekend. a t e Garage For patrons who want to be a part of the music, Treatbot, a Co. o Bocca Bar food truck serving freshly made ice cream, hosts karaoke every o B Lupo Tuesday night from 7:30–9:30 p.m. Katie Raynes, Treatbot’s r C factory manager, said it costs $1 to sing a song and aerward a a D Vino participants are given a free scoop of ice cream. y l o SPSM also features various events year-around. Sama i g Every Monday night at 7 p.m. the Garage Bar hosts Trivia S Vino Night. People arrive in teams of their own or join one, and aer J Zama that the questions begin. B B Robee’s l Crew- u Gift Kaela White, a bartender at the Garage Bar, said the gathering s ners CreParis Falafel h Shop is “social, it’s free, and there is no cap on the amount of people that l can be in here.” She said almost 40 teams have participated in the past. u Even some of the shops inside of the Market hold their own events. Market Taco Little On a Ay Dios Mio, a shop specializing in Mexican folk art and s Latin-inspired designs, oen host events featuring local artists and Bar Bar Chef Roll hands-on activities, said Rose Mendoza, the shop owner. h Aside from events, the Market’s businesses are at the heart of its Only a 15-minute walk! thriving atmosphere. With more than 20 businesses inside SPSM, each space oers a dierent dining, retail or service experience. Visitors can also shop at San Pedro Square Gi Shop, Showroom, a San José lifestyle store and e Poppy Farm, a home and garden San Pedro Square Market shop. Stage Crewners, a full-service barbershop with only one chair, Map by Jonathan Marinaro specializes in business cuts. Crewners was the rst business to open inside the Market back in September 2011, said Dan Dixon, the owner of the shop. And for patrons who prefer beer over wine, the Market Beer Company oers more than 200 dierent beers served in 22-ounce Whether you are in the mood for Neapolitan-style bottles. pizza at Pizza Bocca Lupo, carnitas tacos at Loteria Taco Another popular place to eat at is Little Chef Counter, where Elizabeth One of the biggest perks to eating or drinking in the Market is the Bar, or a banana Nutella crepe at CreParis, a wide variety Bray Butcher Block & Bistro, one of SPSM’s newest Kerridge, a customer at the Market, said, “All you need to know is duck fat ability to roam around and take things with you. Guests can sit anywhere of food choices are available at SPSM. additions, serves up fresh all-organic meat in a style fries.” — inside one of the two buildings or at tables in the plaza — with food Jennifer Clark, a patron of SPSM and host of a that owner Josh Hanoka likes to call “Cali-que.” e Market’s wide variety of culinary options make it not only the and drinks (alcohol included) from any of the Market restaurants or doodling group that meets there once a month, said, “I “I’m not BBQ, but I do BBQ food. It’s our own take perfect destination for a group of picky eaters, but also a great place to sit bars. have a diverse group of people with dierent dietary needs on it,” Hanoka said. down and have a drink. e bottom line: San Pedro Square Market, an all-ages marketplace in and there’s always something for everybody here.” In addition to serving items like French dip Vino Vino, an indoor-outdoor wine bar, only serves local vintages. Sta the heart of downtown San José, is home to great food and drinks, 6 Alex Drao, a rst-time visitor to the Market and a new sandwiches and pulled pork, Bray slices its own deli bartender Jenna Johnson said, “ e unique thing about us is we have wine countless events and entertainment. 7 resident of downtown San José, said that at Sama Zama, meats, smokes everything in-house and sells fresh cuts on tap.” She said guests oen come in just to try a glass or to get wine ights Tony Avila, a recurring visitor to the Market, said, “I like the ambiance “ e salads, soups and everything were really fresh.” of meat or sh when in stock. and an appetizer. here. It’s kind of a chill environment, (with) fresh air and a good crowd.” Miranda Herman steps into character with cosplay

text: Jamie Ramirez / images: Basil Sar / illustrations: Elena Miller

Silly Putty, an old Among her 28 personal creations are Princess trophies for her group members. The prize money bike helmet, Play-Doh, Zelda from The Legend of Zelda, Princess Peach was not important, but finding the money to make “Cosplay is (about) batteries, Styrofoam, from the Super Mario video game series, Princess these costumes is. becoming something Miranda Herman poses glow sticks, aluminum Aurora from Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty,” Baby Doll “Not everyone has that kind of budget to create on the SJSU campus foil, folder dividers and from “Sucker Punch,” Pikachu from “Pokémon” and these elaborate costumes,” Jun said. “I believe lower you always wanted as Fionna, a character fun foam: These items Dark Magician Girl from “Yu-Gi-Oh!” income people have to be so creative in a way from the animated series Adventure Time. are a few of the materials Herman’s Princess Zelda costume is her favorite because they have to dodge the obstacles of finances.” to be.” - Miranda Herman used to create Miranda because she went to great lengths to create all the Herman said she has a job at a pizza parlor in Herman’s cosplay detail in the costume. Santa Clara and her grandparents pay for her costume as Samus, a “I couldn’t make out the lettering on her dress so education. Between what Herman character from the 1986 I went on the Internet to research the alphabet found earns from work and what she video game Metroid. in the game,” Herman said. earns from her personal Herman said, and the rest of her commission is “Cosplay is (about) Herman has worn this costume to this year’s side business as a based on the number of hours she puts into a becoming something you always Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival, held seamstress, she is costume. wanted to be,” Herman said. annually in San Francisco’s Japantown, as well as able to collect During her good months, Herman said she Cosplay is an art form of to FanimeCon. She plans to wear it again to The enough money earns an average of $200 a month. Japanese subculture in which Legend of Zelda Symphony of the Goddesses event to make Krysta Shaw-Stearns is a client and friend of people dress up as characters, in December. her Herman’s whom she met through the anime club. usually from movies, books, video Herman has participated in more than 50 costumes. She’s worn one of Herman’s masterpieces, a costume games or Japanese anime, states conventions, parades and events. Herman’s of cruel older sister Dee Dee from the animated “Cosplay Fever,” a book written “I’ve gone to five different anime conventions — side business, TV show, “Dexter’s Laboratory.” and photographed by Rob Dunlop five every year since I was 12, on top of the Cherry Princess “She has an incredible talent,” Shaw-Stearns and Peter Lumby. Blossom Parade and events like the ‘Pokémon’ video Squib Cosplay, said. “If you haven’t seen her Facebook page, Herman, a sophomore theater game release event,” Herman said. makes the most you should take a look at it.” major, said she has loved cosplay since Joo-Hwan Jun, a senior theater major, met money during the Herman said her ultimate dream is to she first saw a commercial for the Herman through the anime club on campus. He said spring and summer be a full-time cosplayer. Anime Expo in Los Angeles when she Herman is very talented and thinks one of her best months when anime “I would love to be able to get paid was 12 years old. She went to her first costumes is the Princess Peach outfit that she created conventions are most to dress up in costumes,” Herman Text: Jamie Ramirez / images: Basil Sar / illustrations: Elena Miller convention two months later. for San José’s FanimeCon this year. active. She said. “I like the attention. It’s like “I just had so many characters Herman, along with three friends, dressed in makes full costumes as being a superstar and you just I wanted to be,” Herman said. “I burlesque versions of Samus, Princess Peach, well as accessories c an’t s t op.” had to be part of it.” Luigi and Zelda and performed a dance routine based on her Herman asked her at the convention. clients’ financial grandparents for a sewing “After they danced, we didn’t need to see needs. machine instead of an iPod anybody else perform,” Jun said. “It’s really about Money for that Christmas so she could whether you enjoy entertaining people and that’s materials is start making costumes. Miranda’s mentality. I applaud her for it.” paid up She still uses the same The group won best choreography and a $35 front, accessfall2013. wordpress. sewing machine. prize that Herman said she used to invest in small com/cosplay

Miranda Herman cosplaying as the Miranda Herman famous Super Mario cosplays as Little Bros. character Princess Sister from the Peach. game BioShock. SJSU student balances school and a reggae career text: Andrew Forgy / images: Raphael Kluzniok I was on cloud nine at this point in It was a simple formula: Try to quit, but have It is 1:30 a.m. on Monday, and I 18. It was hard to find anyone serious my life. I had finally joined a real band create a school schedule where I am not. Why? just finished playing a concert in Las enough to start a band through junior for the first time in years, and was just at San José State on Mondays and Well, nothing Vegas after completing a grueling 12- high and high school, so instead I accepted into San José State University Wednesdays, that way I can play in this life hour drive from Salt Lake City, Utah. resorted to performing in front of after transferring from a junior college. concerts anywhere within a 20-hour that is worth It has been another successful tour thousands of imaginary fans in my Little did I know that mixing my drive radius of SJSU Thursday through having comes and I rush back to my hotel room, room as I played along to CDs by passion to play in a touring band and Sunday. Easy, right? easy. adrenaline pumping from performing the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Social my desire to earn a bachelor’s degree It has been a struggle since It is a a great show. Distortion and Sublime. would result in some of the most the beginning. My friends in the stressful and Unfortunately my eagerness to When I was 22, I started to find complicated times of my life. music industry think I am nuts for draining life, rush back to the room is not to get work as a freelance musician. The task With the exception walking the line between the two but it is the ready for an insane after party, but was simple: Find a band that needed of one semester, I lifestyles, and my peers do not greatest life I Andrew Forgy (pictured with to get my sober self in bed to sneak a fill-in, learn a handful of their songs have been a full- understand the struggle of can imagine Samantha Mendoza) balances “Don’t be a follower school during the day and in a few hours of sleep before my 7 overnight and play my heart out with time student a touring musician. My living. I have plays bass in his band, Thrive. a.m. flight back to San José to take them for a couple of shows. I was since entering when you can be grades might have taken a traveled my first final of the week on Monday able to call myself a “professional San José State in a leader.” ­—Thrive, toll, though I have never to places and states I would not unrealistic. However, if I could continue afternoon. musician” (whatever that means) Fall 2011. Since ‘Freedom of Speech’ failed a class. My lack have dreamed of, played in front of to travel the country and potentially Playing music, touring the and I was able to meet a lot of great then, I have been of sleep is obvious to my thousands of people, and have even the world as a professional musician, I country and having the time of my people, including a Santa Cruz-based juggling concerts and family and friends, as well seen my band in the top 10 of the would consider Thrive successful. life is something I have wanted since reggae band called Thrive. homework. The shows as my health… well, I guess I Billboard reggae charts, bringing me My favorite part of this entire I picked up the bass when I was 11 I filled in for a few shows for started to pick up faster could drink a little less, but this tears of joy. experience is seeing my parents in the years old. If I knew how hard it would Thrive when they were in need of a through the years as we were is rock ‘n’ roll, right? I hope all of this perseverance is crowd at our local shows, and I cannot Andrew Forgy actually be, I might have picked up bass player in the winter of 2010, and getting small tour offers from bands The Bureau of Labor Statistics worth it. Thrive has been on a steady wait to see their faces in the crowd on playing bass another hobby… who am I kidding, I the chemistry just felt right. I was like SOJA, Iration, The Green, J Boog, report that the average musician earns incline these past few years and I hope my graduation day this spring. When during a con- love what I do. having a great time jamming with and Rebelution. The pressure was $22.39 an hour. Are these struggles we can push it even further. With that moment arrives, it will be the cert in Santa Cruz, Thursday Although I started playing the bass these guys and after five shows with on to not only perform on stage but really worth the potential $44,000 a reggae not in the mainstream, getting true sign that the struggle between Oct. 17. at 11 years old, I really did not start them, they asked me to officially join also in the classroom. But how can I year? I have asked myself this time and signed to a major record label and musician- and student-life was all to play a lot of concerts until I was the band. accomplish both? time again, thinking that I should just becoming a radio sensation seems worth it.

Confetti and lights hit the crowd during a Bassnectar show at the SJSU Event Center. shows support for what the EDM “Sometimes my friends and I do themed The last and arguably most important part of EDM encourages peace, culture promotes: PLUR, short for costumes,” Ambrosio said. “We all did a ‘Sailor committing to the EDM lifestyle is money. peace, love, unity and respect. Moon’ theme for one of the days at this year’s To be part of the EDM community, one needs an love, unity and respect Another aspect of the EDC.” above-average income because attending the events culture is the outfits that EDC stands for Electronic Daisy Carnival. requires thousands of dollars. text: Jerry Salas / images: Zach Toberman The vocals are provided by separate artists and can Kandi are usually concertgoers assemble for the Ambrosio said many cities hold EDC festivals Cortez said an EDM concert or festival’s ticket The lights come on, the bass rattles the stage and sometimes include big name artists such as Rihanna. DJs colorful and can have events. but the one that she attended in Las Vegas is price alone can range from $100 to $400. thousands of fists rise to the sky. such as Deadmau5 and Tiesto have become household small charms with EDM artists such as Dada considered the main event. Cortez said with flight, hotel and tickets, you are The crowd looks like a box of neon crayons that names in the EDM genre. Sub-genres within electronic words written across Life have a following of fans EDC Las Vegas is one of the biggest summer looking at spending close to $1,000 to attend EDC exploded and everyone seems to be glowing. dance music include progressive house, dubstep and them. that support them by wearing festivals in the EDM industry. Las Vegas. Have these people been exposed to the “ooze” many more. Claudia Figueroa, esoteric costumes. Hundreds of thousands of people converge on With all the effort that goes into being a part from the second Ninja Turtles movie? With that being said, most EDM songs have one an SJSU health science Dada Life fans can be seen Las Vegas every year to enjoy myriad DJs and art of the EDM culture, one would think that this Bassnectar No, they are at a rave. goal: to get your fists in the air and your feet off the alumna and avid EDM performing a set walking around their shows in at the three-day venture. lifestyle would eventually lose its appeal and become Electronic dance music, better known as EDM, ground. raver, said her friends host at the SJSU Event banana suits because it is one of the As you can guess, many attendees attempt to yesterday’s news. has been around for many years, but has recently A major part of this genre is the culture that comes kandi parties before a big event. Center to a crowd two items the DJ duo always requests participate in the festival for the entire three days So what makes people continue to show up and found new life in the club scene and music industry. with it. “We get together to make accompanied by an in its rider. A rider is a sheet of requests without much rest in between. support EDM? inflatable shark. Years ago, this type of music would have never While glow sticks and flower headbands are kandi, eat, drink and talk artists give to a venue to ensure the listed Emilio Cortez, senior pictorial arts major and It is the friendly people who embrace PLUR that been played on top 40-themed radio stations. the norm at any EDM rave, many participants are about the event we’re going to,” items are available to them before they perform. EDM DJ, said the heat and lack of sleep can take keeps everyone coming back for more. Now you cannot change the station without meticulous when planning a night or weekend to enjoy Figueroa said. The other item in Dada Life’s rider is champagne, their toll on the body. “Going to music festivals and EDM events, you hearing Swedish House Mafia’s “Don’t You Worry the popular music. She said that when you get to an event, you according to an interview by Jess Kapadia for the “I’ve seen people passed out from heat meet awesome people and everyone is so nice. You’re Child” and Avicii’s “Wake Me Up.” One aspect of EDM culture is the exchanging of exchange your kandi with random people and that is Food Republic website. exhaustion,” Cortez said. making friends — it’s a community where I see the EDM is a form of music created by a DJ or DJ “kandi.” how you make new friends. Ambrosio said she plans her outfits for each He said if you can manage your time and same people over and over,” Figueroa said. “For me, collaborative that usually consists of repetitive, fast Kandi are bracelets made out of beads and string, but Karen Ambrosio, a senior behavioral science day of an EDM concert in advance so she has time plan ahead, an EDM festival can be an amazing it is an escape from reality.” tempo beats and sometimes vocals. can also be made into necklaces, cuffs and headbands. major and EDM enthusiast, said exchanging kandi to make them. experience. From Monday through Thursday, the group practices for a total of 10 hours. Scott said the harmonies in the production are difficult to hear and are given to some actors who do not possess strong vocal abilities and to some who are more SJSU dancers train experienced. to become ‘triple threats’ “I brought them in because I saw potential, a willingness to take risks as a performer,” Scott said. text: Laura Nguyen / image: Carolyn Seng / *Show dates run from from Nov. 14 to Nov. 16 at 7 p.m., including illustrations: Rebecca Charlton a showing on Nov. 15 at 10:30 a.m. and Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. in the The Company One musical theater production Spartan Complex dance theater, room 219. Tickets are $10 for group is back again this fall with a peek into the lives students and seniors and $15 for general audience. Tickets are only Yuliya Eydelnant sold at the door. of circus folk suspected of murder and a new take rehearses for on crime scene investigation through singing and Company One, a musical theatre juggling. production in its Crime Scene Investigation: Circus Victims Unit, 22nd year. also known as CSI: CVU, is written and directed by Janie Scott, the artistic director of Company One, a “It’s hard because you’re touching these people, performing ensemble in the dance program at SJSU. singing with them, dancing with them,” he said, CSI: CVU is a parody of crime scene shows on TV, “but you’re putting on a show.” Scott said. Sandy Huynh, a senior illustration The show is full of humor, drama and satire, major who has attended a Company Scott said. The cast is divided into two roles: CSI unit One show in the past for class Fri, 15 | 5 p.m. | Downtown Ice, next to San José Museum of Art and circus troupe. Investigators swoop in to solve a credit, said the production, Wed, 27 |5 p.m. | Winter Wonderland @ Paséo de San Antonio mystery while judging the seemingly odd and shifty “shows us something beyond Thurs, 28 |6:30 a.m. | Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot Sat, 30 |9 a.m. | Hike Your Pie Off @ Sierra Vista Open Space circus folk. the dance culture.” |9 a.m. | Harvest Festival @ San José Convention Center Company One is the only one of its kind that can “To put up a |6 p.m. | Christmas in the Park opens @ Plaza de César Chávez offer students the rare performing experience, Scott production takes a Every Tues & Thurs|12:30 p.m.| Listening Hour @ SJSU Concert Hall said. Students in the company are in the training semester,” Scott said. ground to become triple threats. “We’re working with “Your goal is to be proficient in all three areas as challenging dance Events Sat, 9 | 7 p.m. | Lamb Of God @ The Fox Theater humanly possible,” Scott said. and music.” 1 – 10 | The Next Fall @ San José Rep Triple threats are constantly striving to be on the Scott said she Mon, 11 | 8 p.m. | Infinite @ SJSU Event Center edge and commit to excel in singing, dancing and aims to help 14 Wed, 13 | 9 p.m. | Aaron Carter @ The Catalyst acting, said Jomar Martinez, a special major senior members reach Culture Thurs, 14 | 7 p.m. | Company One Dance @ SJSU Spartan Complex in the dance department who has acted in Company the triple threat Fri, 15 | 8 p.m. | She Kills Monsters @ Historic Hoover Theatre One for four years. level by opening | 9 p.m. | Lil B @ Regency Ballroom Since the first day of instruction this semester, day on Mon, 18 | 7 p.m. | Misfits @ Oakland Metro Operahouse | Relient K @ The Catalyst Scott’s class has been doing more than just acting. Nov. 14. Wed, 20 | 7 p.m. Comedy | Dir En Grey1 @ Regency Ballroom Sat, 23 | 8 p.m. The production group, which currently consists of 14 Jen Wong, a 8 – 23 | The Duke, The Count and Me @ Theatre on San Pedro Square students, works together to sing, dance, act and even senior recreational Every Fri & Sat | 7 p.m. | Music @ San Pedro Square Market1 juggle. therapy major, has Sat, 30 | 7 p.m. | Eason Chan @ SJSU Event Center “It’s an ongoing company that you will not see attended three shows Sports anywhere else,” Scott said, who focuses on treating from Fall 2010 to Spring 2012 to support the production like a real company rather than a Sat, 9 | 8 p.m. | Paul Rodriquez @ San José Improv class. her friends. Fri, 15 | 8 p.m. | Arnez J @ San José Improv “Janie provides such an encouraging and safe “It’s really cool to see Fri, 22 | 8 p.m. | Christopher Titus @ San José Improv educational space to experiment with music that people of so many different if someone falls or a voice cracks, we don’t laugh,” majors and backgrounds Martinez said. “We’re here to help.” come together to produce Sat, 9 | 7 p.m. | Spartan Football vs. San Diego State When Company One has a rehearsal, something they’re passionate Fri, 22 | 6 p.m. | Spartan Football vs. Navy Martinez said he leaves everything at the door. about,” Wong said. Fri, 29 | 12:30 p.m. | Spartan Football vs. Fresno State