Plugging into community

International students and WMEB team up to support Ofelia's

By Brett Sowerby

Posted on Nov. 29, 2007, at 12:00 a.m.

Put on those dancing shoes, it’s time for a party.

The University of Maine’s radio station, WMEB, and the International Student Association (ISA) are throwing a dance party on the third floor of Orono’s Bear Brew Pub, otherwise known as Soma 36. The two groups worked together in the hope of bringing a wide variety of musical tastes to this Friday’s Oronoka, an “alternative sort of party,” as Alicia Kelley, one of the event’s coordinators, described it.

This cooperation between the two groups – WMEB and ISA – stemmed from the recent closure of the Bangor art hub, Ofelia’s. WMEB had intended to run their own separate night of music, but, with Ofelia’s base of operations and artistic venue closed on short notice when the building was condemned last month, they were forced to rethink their approach. Kelley, a WMEB DJ with a sly smile, pointed out that this was, “a small problem.”

Because WMEB was unable to hold their event as scheduled, it was decided that ISA and WMEB would combine their efforts for one outstanding evening.

“This is something you don’t see very often,” Kelley said, “two [student] organizations working together.”

Emin Okutan, a co-ordinator for the ISA, explained, “I think there’s this alienation between groups on campus.” He suggested that with groups sharing similar goals, more could be accomplished if they united.

Okutan explained at the last Oronoka that there was a projector set up to show streets from around the world. This time, they hope to expand on this idea and show more images from an international perspective, mixing in some scenes from foreign films. With this in mind, Kelley mentioned her desire to transform Soma 36.

“With the space available, [we want to] make it something different,” to which Okutan added, “Make the Soma you saw on Thursday a completely different place.”

“The DJ’s are very different from what you would normally hear at Soma,” Kelley said, suggesting Oronoka’s DJ’s plan to avoid the top-40 music that dominates the airwaves.

Aside from pure entertainment, the event aims at introducing students to new and exciting music, but also different cultures. Stealing from WMEB’s slogan, Okutan added he would like to “redefine the alternative.”

To add to the global vibe, Okutan will be running a music quiz to test participant’s recognition of the land of origin for international styles of music. There will also be a quiz to recognize domestic music in the fastest time. Prizes may include “free WMEB swag” according to Kelley.

The tag-line for the event is “Plug In: To World Community, To Your Community.” This is the general idea behind Oronoka bringing people together, in one place to experience many. Okutan said he hopes to see “People from many countries enjoying the same music.”

Kelley soon added why she enjoys alternative music so much: “it gives people options.” Instead of listening to the same remixed pop song, there’s a veritable ocean of alternative music out there, just waiting to be listened to.

Proceeds from the cover charge – five dollars before 11 p.m. and six dollars from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. – will be donated to Ofelia’s. Although Ofelia’s is recovering from their relocation, they still need help. At first, Okutan seemed reticent to support donating proceeds to only one charity, but, after researching the group thoroughly he found the good that Ofelia’s did, not only with charitable work but also its support of local artists, as well as the fact that it is a local organization. “It’s not UNICEF,” Okutan said, but it is a worthy cause.

Tom Grucza, the station manager at WMEB, explained the need to find new ways to advertise for local events. Posting a flyer to a bulletin board and a FirstClass conference simply isn’t enough. Grucza said he would like students to come to WMEB more often to plug their organization or event. After all, “We can’t sell ads,” Grucza said.

All involved seem excited to kick off the event. One DJ will be driving all the way from Providence, RI to spin her tracks on Friday for the 18-and-over crowd. This is unique for Soma 36 events – usually, events held at Soma 36 are 21-and-over but under-aged friends are welcome at this party.

Kelley will be giving away a free pass to Oronoka on Thursday, Nov. 29 on her radio show. Okutan will also be giving away free passes into the event during this week’s Coffee Hour, a weekly event held every Friday by ISA where there is always free coffee and usually free food.

Oronoka will be on the third floor of the Bear Brew Pub on Friday, Nov. 30 and will begin at 9 p.m.

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