March 5, 2024
Leap Day had an extra special ending as Pearl River Community College alumni and current students took to the stage for the Spring Variety Show on Thursday, February 29. The nearly two-hour-long concert featured various genres showcasing students’ passions and talents while bringing energy to the Brownstone Center for the Arts. With 24 songs, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
PRCC Groups performing included the PRCC Singers, the Rapids, The Currents, and The Voices. Between those large group selections, several pieces were performed by smaller student groups who had to audition for a spot on the program. Some of the selections had students incorporating guitar, piano, or saxophone.
PRCC Freshman Hannah Brumfield of Sumrall thoroughly enjoyed the selections. She attended in part to support two of her roommates who were performing.
“This was a great way to spend an evening,” said Brunfield. “I felt like I could sit there, relax, and listen to the music. Seven Bridges Road (originally performed by the Eagles) was really good and is stuck in my head now.”
After intermission, attendees were treated to “Flower Shops” performed by Hook, Line, and Sinker, a group formed by Sam Freeman, Noah Hartfield, and alumni Sam Miller, all three which were members of The Voices.
Five performances were done by family groups where a current PRCC student had a parent, sibling, or other family member join them on stage. “You Brought the Sunshine” performed by Soul Sisters & Tamara May had audience members swaying hands in the air while “All I Want to Do” performed by Lana and Justin Wakeland evoked hoots and hollers from the audience.
Honoring the memory of Jade Kennedy Rhodes, a fellow member who passed away in October 2023, the PRCC Singers performed the song “Starfall” composed by Tyler Palavincini. Prior to the performance, they presented a framed photo of Rhodes to her family members attending the concert dedicated to her.
Closing the night out, dozens of PRCC alumni joined the PRCC Singers on stage to perform two selections: “Gather at the River” by Susan LaBarr and “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” arranged by J. David Moore. Alumni Sarah Unbehagen-Beebe, Hannah Pierce Morris, and Jonathan Morris performed the initial part of the final song together.
Unbehagen-Beebe attended The River beginning in 2007, the same year when Choral Director Dr. LaDona Tyson joined the faculty. She was a member of PRCC Singers, The Voices, and River Road Show Players.
“Every time I talk to people, I’m like those years at The River literally changed my life,” said Unbehagen-Beebe. “I am glad to be here. Plus, Dr. Tyson means the world to me.”
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Article and photography by Laura O’Neill.
