Ripon College Days

A poem. Slam poet Tammy Carr. [Click to enlarge]

Comedian. Wendi Fox will perform on campus. [Click to enlarge]

SMAC works year-round to bring various forms of entertainment to the campus. In February, the organization is bringing comedian Wendi Fox and slam poet Tammy Carr to the Ripon College campus.

SMAC representatives booked both of the upcoming acts after seeing their performances at the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA).

The campuses compete with each other to find a time that works for both the speaker and the campus. This time, Fox and Carr happened to have available times within weeks of each other and were the acts that caught SMAC representatives' attentions.

"We know their performances are good," says senior Kaelin Butch, SMAC representative.

Wendi Fox, Comedian

Wendi Fox's performance is tonight at 7 p.m. on the stage in the Bovay Terrace.

Fox will perform her act focused on alcohol abuse.

Butch says Fox uses the dysfunctional family she comes from to "lighten the mood while still presenting a serious topic."

Fox dealt with alcoholism in her own life and uses her history in her performance. She brings her own experiences to light and presents them in a manner that the audience can relate to.

Sophomore and resident assistant Jackie Laffitte plans to make Fox's performance a floor activity for her residents.

"Everyone needs a little comedy in their life and alcoholism is an important issue," she says.

Fox's message is geared toward first year students.

However, Butch says the show "will be fantastic for anyone who shows up."

She explained that the presentation makes the topic of alcohol abuse important, but still entertaining for all students.

Tammy Carr, Slam Poet

Tuesday, Feb. 28 will be Carr's performance beginning at 8 p.m. on the stage in the Bovay Terrace.

Carr performs slam poetry, a form of spoken word that is growing in popularity, especially in cafes.

The style of slam poetry is sometimes associated with that of hip hop music. The speaker puts a special emphasis on delivery during the presentation and uses rhythms in performing the act.

Slam poets share their views on current issues and events throughout their act. It is a way that performers personalize the act and try to connect with the audience over issues prevalent to both audience and performer.

"Slam poetry is an interesting medium," says junior Lacy Rourke, who describes it as social commentary.

Students are welcome and encouraged to grab food and sit down to watch the act.

One of the goals of SMAC is to present current issues and media the students on campus will enjoy. The group uses a variety of performers to bring something for everyone on campus.

Both upcoming events utilize two currently popular performance forms. Comedy has maintained a high level of popularity to students while slam poetry and other forms of spoken word are gaining in popularity.

SMAC is hoping for a high turnout for both speakers.

"I'm hoping people will grab meal exchange and stay in the Terrace to listen," says Butch.

"I think both (acts) should be popular," she adds.

Each year representatives from SMAC attend the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA). At this festival, campus representatives meet many performers from around the nation and have the opportunity to work with these performers to book acts for their own campuses.

The convention is full of keynote speakers and educational sessions.

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