Campus Artists Shine at University Union’s Student Showcase

University Union hosted a Y2K-themed student artist showcase at Schine Underground, featuring Mimicking Mars, After Hours, and DJ Nick Jessop.

Words By Mattea Vecera / Graphics by Lily Greco

On Friday, March 1, University Union hosted a free student artist showcase at Schine Underground, featuring SU’s own Mimicking Mars, After Hours, and DJ Nick Jessop. 

In proper UU fashion, the Underground was decked out to match the night’s Y2K theme; inflatable disco balls adorned the ceiling, silver iridescent sheets covered the tables, and concert-goers eagerly grabbed candy party favors like pop rocks, fun dip, and candy bracelets. To commemorate the night in tangible memories, UU arranged a polaroid picture station and a photo booth stocked with an assortment of fun hats and comically large sunglasses. 

Although the show was slated to start at 7:30, UU delayed the first act until more attendees filled the venue. With about 40 non-UU students in attendance at 8:00, DJ Nick Jessop finally took to the stage. 

Jessop, a senior in the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, kicked off the night with a series of groovy but energetic dance tracks. From more popular ones like “Operator” by Låpsley and DJ Koze to “Carry On” by Martha Wash, the audience dispersed throughout the pit, allowing the music to move them. After a 30-minute set, Jessop let the final track play out as he walked off the stage. 

Just a few minutes later, After Hours conducted a brief mic check before launching into their performance. According to their Instagram, the five-piece band consists of Bella Ierano (vocals), Kiera Walsh (keyboard, vocals), Goldie Singer (drums), Darius Baharlo (bass), and Max Kanefsky (guitar), however, each member picked up additional instruments during the show. 

By the time the first song started, the audience had already flocked to the front barrier. After Hours began with a cover of “In the Meantime” by Spacehog, showcasing Walsh’s switch from keys to guitar and harmonizing seamlessly with Ierano. Whether it’s Walsh and Ierano swapping verses and blending vocals on the choruses or Singer adding an extra layer (seen in their cover of “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)” by ABBA), these powerful moments of harmonization are where the band shines brightest. 

Following covers of “Forget You” by Ceelo Green and “Creep” by Radiohead, the band switched things up on “By The Way” by Red Hot Chili Peppers. Walsh picked up the guitar again for this track, while Baharlo was featured on lead vocals. Despite technical difficulties with Baharlo’s mic until halfway through the second verse, the band delivered a standout performance, particularly Singer’s incredible drumming and Baharlo’s bass. After Hours wrapped up their 30-minute set with a lively rendition of Queen’s “Keep Yourself Alive,” ending with a bang. 

Mimicking Mars, comprised of Jeremy Lanuti (guitar, lead vocals), James Dawson (guitar, vocals), Josh LeViseur (drums), Robert Wilhelm (bass), and Grant Harding (keyboard), closed the night with five original songs that had the audience dancing and feeding off of their contagious energy. 

They opened with their most popular song to date, “She Likes,” which currently sits at over 2,600 streams on Spotify. This catchy tune is reminiscent of a sunny summer day that hooks you from the first listen. Transitioning smoothly, Wilhelm guided the band into the grittier “Lyrics,” showcasing Lanuti’s rasp. 

The highlight of their set was the unreleased track, “$4.75,” where Lanuti and Dawson’s guitar synergy shone brightly on stage, leaving anticipation for its official debut. “Squirrels in a Hurry” grooved with impressive solo breaks from Dawson and Harding, complemented by seamless vocal harmonies between Lanuti and Dawson. 

In true rockstar fashion, Lanuti jumped off stage with his guitar, perching on the barrier’s ledge amidst the crowd during part of the final song, “Janky Jones & the Blackjack Blues.” After such a strong performance of only five songs, the crowd pleaded for a sixth, chanting “One more song!” Though the band was ready to honor their request, the night concluded promptly at 9:35, per UU’s instructions. Nevertheless, the event highlighted the remarkable talent on campus, and attendees hope for more student showcases in the future.