2011 Big Show at CSUN (Los Angeles) X B.O.B (Recap)

DIY....

Every year California State University, Northridge's, SPACE, throws a student produced Matador school-spirit filled party called the Big Show. On October 1, 2011, the annual show attracted thousands to spend their Saturday night in front of the Oviatt library for the chance to party with bay area artist Kreayshawn, The Cataracs, and Atlanta's own five-time Grammy nominated artist, B.o.B.

The transformation of the main campus turned the path students cut through to get to that obligatory class, into a mini-festival with sections for live painting, food truck hopping, and merchandise shopping. Currently being a college student is a mixed bag, school is a necessity for most, however, CSU fees continue to increase which can lead to students worrying about their options, or losing their school spirit; this is were SPACE comes in. The Big Show is an inexpensive event at $10 a ticket for those who bought it in advance, and was the one night students could be on campus without life stresses.

On campus shows have the unique ability of bringing out a diverse crowd, which only complimented the diverse musical lineup. In attendance were techno fans, indie fans, hip-hop fans, women in their hipster chic, or mini club dresses, the barricade jumper, the screamer, freshman, seniors, and a sign language interpreter. The event had a 5:00 PM show time, were DJ Joaquin Bamaca, who donned a sketchy 1970's mustache, played a set of dance music for hours until Dev's replacement, Kreayshawn took the stage.

Kreayshawn, comfortable in jean shorts, a little black top, and socks before she took them off, began her set with "Rich Whores" and "Left Eye", before handing it off to her side partner V-Nasty who performed "What's My Name" and "Swaggin & Mobbin". Attention turned back to Kreayshawn who performed "Summertime", and as expected "Gucci Gucci". However, before leaving the stage Kreayshawn performed a snippet of "Saturday Love", the infectious hit by Cherrelle & Alexander O'Neal, why not.

With the hot valley sun disappearing, the colored stage lights set the fun mood as the duo, The Cataracs took the stage, and asked the crowd if they were "ready to be in a movie?" Being in So. Cal, everybody is ready to be in a movie; or in this case, a Big Show. Reportedly, flying in all the way from Dubai for the show, The Cataracs performed all their record producing hits, including "Bass Down Low" and "Like a G6"; while the crowd acted as back up singers on the tracks featuring the housebound singer, Dev, due to pregnancy. Although known for their producing, the duo also took turns rapping, singing, and hyping up the crowd with mixes that included a little bit of Snoop, Lil Wayne, and Jamie Foxx's "Blame It". Feeling good to be home, The Cataracs also shared two new songs "Delusional" and "Wet", a gift before they take their sabbatical to Brazil to work on their new upcoming album.

Either the crowd wasn't used to the stage prep turn around time or the Adderall was wearing off, because moments after The Cataracs left the stage the crowd started an inpatient chant for B.o.B, and spectators from the back pushed their way to the front. As the students waited, a strange airplane flew across the sky, maybe a coincidence; however, some took it as a sign that B.o.B should start his show, so the crowd chanted more. After a fake minute-to-minute update on where B.o.B was (tying his shoes, falling, back up again) from one of the organizers, B.o.B burst on stage accompanied by his band, two dancers, and a DJ. Dressed in a hybrid outfit that could work in Cali, or Atlanta, B.o.B beamed with a bottom row ice grill, black shades, and sneakers, which complimented his printed grey t-shirt, and grey vest.

Students often feel undeniable as if they can do anything they set their minds to, that feeling was brought to life when B.o.B started off with a little "On Top of the World", which transitioned to "Magic", as the heavy bass tracks made the internal organs inside the body shake, but that's what the crowd was waiting for. With a catalog that includes underground hits, one Grammy nominated album, The Adventures of Bobby Ray, the No Genre, mix-tape, along with an upcoming sophomore album, Strange Clouds, nobody left the show without hearing "their" song. Along with delivering favorites like "The Kids", "Nothin' on You", and "I'll Be in the Sky", he delivered something extra, a plethora of dance moves throughout the whole night. Energized, only stopping for dramatic pauses, the show continued with "Past My Shades", which had the audience mimic B.o.B by wearing their sunglasses at night, "Don't Let Me Fall", "Airplanes", "Beast Mode" and "Bet I".

Eventually B.o.B tried to leave, a split second later the chants started, and he returned for a rocked out encore performance that included "Strange Clouds". The show ended like an Independence Day celebration with an explosion of confetti falling out of the dark sky as the rave like stage lights illuminated over the surprised faces. Although the Big Show is a great distraction for students, it also served as an example of the abilities many young adults have. All the performers are college-aged themselves and were discovered by record labels after putting in work at the local level. Their do-it-yourself mentality is a reminder that hard work pays off. But until that opportunity comes, don't wait, DIY. If you want to have an album out, do-it-yourself. If you want to have a clothing line, do-it-yourself. If you want to make movies, do-it-yourself. Whatever it is you want to be, do it. Why not.