Written by Sabre Morris
Friday of third week could be another instance to go out to a party or perhaps stay in and binge-watch Netflix. Last block, many students on campus elected to participate in a unique third Friday event: to attend the first B-Side Collective Festival. The festival highlighted music, art, and performances of female-identifying, LGBTQIA+/queer students at Colorado College.
There was a dark blue sky that turned to night with lush foliage from the vines and trees of Cossit Ampitheatre. First to the stage was sophomore Seal Eggs. “While it [B-Side Collective] is new, this has been, by far, my favorite extracurricular and activity,” she said. While Seal Eggs began playing instruments like the harp at a young age and making an electronic type of music in middle school, it was not until she came to CC that she began performing in front of audiences. Seal Eggs smoothly navigated audience members into another space and time while losing herself in her own music. The music sounded like a choir with her voice echoing and the beat reverberating her sounds. “My inspiration mainly comes from any female artists, but specifically choral sounds,” Seal said.
In between the performances, students and faculty members chatted and ate pizza. Marin Day, a senior who came out to support her peers, said, “I feel like this is a space that many Colorado College students support and argue for, but never actually go on to accomplish what they stand for.”
Day commented on the great music and collaboration between students in the CC community. “I love the community we have fostered here at Colorado College and I am so glad we continue to evolve these spaces for everyone,” she said.
Lena Farmo and her band then took the stage with more dancing and an alternative rock sound. There was plenty of free space for dancing and movement for CC students to participate in. The night ended with Charly Bliss, a grunge rock band. They took a recognizable sound and injected it with their own animation and passion.
What’s behind the name? Before digital music market took over, CD’s had two sides. The A-side generally had all of the hits and the B-side contained all other songs. Many of the songs on the B-side were actually just as well done, though, and some were even better than those on the A-side.
Eboni Song began working within the music scene with Sounds of Colorado College (SOCC). While she enjoys working with SOCC, she feels that there are many talented artists who are not showcasing their works. “[SOCC] provided a lot of inspiration and support with me branching out,” Song said. Thus, the B-side Collective was formed with an inclusive and transformative community that provides another outlet for CC students to practice and perform their artistry and talent.
Song also mentioned that this year they would hold more workshops that are open to all students on campus.
While the B-Side Collective is run by female-identifying, LGBTQIA+/queer and non-binary artists who decide the material they want to showcase, the group undeniably welcomes all students who want to participate in their workshops and attend their concerts, festivals, or performances. The festival provided a refreshing escape to live performances and a night full of dancing.