Students give their thoughts on Coachella

Festival fashion used to mean flowing dresses and flower crowns. Now, those are nowhere near enough to stand out at Coachella, the be-all-end-all event for festival style. Many of the festivalgoers who swarmed the stages in Indio, Calif., were scantily clad. Some of them skipped clothes altogether, passing off bikinis or lingerie as a full outfit. And don’t forget about the hair and makeup. Loose waves, braids, and mini-buns were popular hairstyles. Natural, minimal makeup appeared to be the trend (or everyone had already sweated off their fully contoured faces) with lots of jewels, glitter and flash tattoos to spice things up. This year Coachella started on Friday, April 12 and ended on Sunday the 21. Coachella is one, if not the biggest music festival of California, with music artists, food, and VIP events. Just tickets alone can cost up to $1,000 and that’s not including airfare if you are traveling, or hotels, or if you want merchandise and food.

One of the most important aspects of Coachella is fashion. Student Sophia Marcus always enjoys watching Coachella videos on youtube and looking at the new trends. Although she’s never been it would be an unforgettable experience. Every year, thousands flock to the desert wearing some of the year’s wildest fashions. And while festival wear has become something of a parody of itself — we never need to see another sheer or knitted kimono paired with denim shorts again — this year welcomed an upgraded, futuristic take on the overdone boho-chic bore. Face jewels are the new flower crowns, metallics and sequins have taken over knits and fringe, and high-waisted swimsuit-like bottoms are giving legs all the attention. These are some of the eye-catching pieces that take over both weekends. “Everyone should be able to express themselves with their clothing without judgment,” says Marcus.

This year outfits have gone so far to just about wearing almost nothing or covering yourself in just body glitter and showing off your torso. Coachella is a place where you can wear almost nothing and get away with it because everyone else is wearing just about nothing as well. “If you feel offended then you’re boring” Marcus explained. This years artist line up was Black Pink, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Kanye West, Bad Bunny, and much more. Even these artists go all out for Coachella, as well as top celebrities such as Kylie and Kendall Jenner, Winnie Harlow, Shay Mitchell, and Cardi B. Coachella was first introduced to support small upcoming artists but now it has taken its turn on fashion. Many fans of Coachella even have multiple outfits throughout the day than just one. With the rise of social media finding the latest trends to wear is hard by searching “Festiville looks” on Pinterest or Instagram. Former NECC student Cassie Ellson has heard criticism about Coachella in regards with the prevalent environment of culture appropriation to kids wearing Native American headdresses just because it looks “Cool” “I think partaking in other cultures is important but there needs to be a base level of knowledge to what is and what isn’t appropriate,” explained Ellson.

This season cowboy boots became a big hit, from big celebrities to famous youtubers wearing them. The trend peaked when stores such as H&M and Forever 21 sold them with their festival collection. Country music is also popular in the culture as well such as the song “Old Town Road” with special guest featuring Billy Ray Cyrus which makes the cowboy trend more popular. The Coachella Valley weather is dusty and extremely dry; prime cowboy country. Cowboy boots are one of the easiest ways to get a little bit country and can be paired with the midi dresses and skirts that everyone is loving this season. Marcus said she would wear something bold such as a bright green dress with pink boots “Definately something fun and colorful,” says Marcus. Other trends that have been approached at this extravagant festival are biker shorts, mesh dresses, fanny packs and oversized jackets. These are known as street style fashion, outfits without all the glitz and glam but still, make an impression. Ellson has been to multiple music festivals before like Boston Calling and Vans Warped Tour so she likes to dress for the warmer weather by wearing shorts a band t-shirt and maybe a hat. “Anything too extravagant gets soaked in the sun or washed away by sweat,” says Ellson Ellson would actually want to attend Coachella but not for the fashion because of what event that is going on and whos playing. “Despite all the crazy shenanigans it would be the perfect place for me, I love large music festivals,” said Ellson.

Another play will be put on by NECC students in the summer

For the past two summers, NECC has held a summer theater course for students who are interested in putting on a play at the end of the summer. This course is all about engaging with one another and bringing the theater alive to those who enjoy it. The play is still to be decided as of right now. Once students have enrolled, Brianne Beatrice, the director of the summer theater course will announce what show will be put on so the roles in the play align with how many students have signed up. Although this course was once credited it is no longer a credit course, but even though it is not credited it still is a course to look forward to. There is a role for everyone, if you enjoy being the center of attention and being dramatic then a role on stage is for you.

However, if you enjoy tech, and designing then an off stage roll would be the right fit.  The summer theatre program pushes students to collaborate in every part necessary for the production Aaron Lehner, Observer campus life editor as well as a theater major has participated in the summer theater course for the past two summers. Last year the play that was put on was “Escape From Happiness.” Lehner’s roles were on and off stage in the previous plays he’s participated in. He played the role Jimmy in Almost Maine two summers ago and staged managed last springs play Love/Sick and Singing Telegram Man.

Lehner was also the role of Fred in A Christmas Carol which is  NECC’s yearly show during the holidays ran by Alisha Bucchiere and John Budzyna. Lehner will not be participating in this summer’s theater course but he said he has had so much fun with the summer theater program. “No matter how much experience is someone has in theater, they always have an amazing time and some great friends and memories,” says Lehner.  The theater and dance majors were shut down due to low enrollment, but students can still take theater and dance classes. Beatrice has been working hard to help out the remaining students who are interested in  theater. The summer theater programs is  a way to get students involved and help rebuild the program.

Students get free admission into the Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts has hosted a series of after hour parties, called “Late Nite” to showcase artwork before opening to the public. These parties are open to everyone especially college students.  This event went from March 15 to 16 from  8:00 pm – 2:00 am showcasing their first “Gender Bender” fashion show. You could also partake in pop-up performances while enjoying live music and festive cocktail and more to celebrate art. Advanced tickets were sold out so it became the first come first serve at the door. Once entered into the event there were many events you could participate in. Each hour there were different shows you could participate or view, even a taste testing section. For 21+ cocktails and specialty drinks were served, there is even a lounge to either relax or to bust a move on the dance floor. This popular event was introduced in October 2017 and has become a seasonal event since it has been so popular that almost every series has been sold out.

The next Late Nite Show will be hosted in May 2019. These series help students, artists, and locals to really appreciate art and what the MFA has to offer Boston through it’s wide variety of activities. “It’s helping people appreciate what could be lost,” said Anthony Cruz, a criminal justice student. Although NECC students don’t have free access to the after hour party they can enjoy free art during opening hours with a valid student ID. Bentley Library on the Haverhill campus gives out free passes to the MFA to students that want to enjoy art. Susan Leonard is one of the many librarians that can help you to get free passes.

Leonard has been with the Haverhill campus since 2016 but first started out in Lawrence in 2012. She explains that the MFA wanted to reach out to community colleges and get them more involved and one way was getting free admission to the MFA. NECC partners with the Pozen Community College Access Program which gives students the opportunity to visit the MFA for free. NECC is one of the 15 community colleges in the state of Massachusettes that partners with them.

NECC also wants to help students get creative and become more involved, getting free admission to the MFA is one way students are able to enjoy their time bu also have the opportunity for growth and learning. “We inform students about the free admission in all of the information literacy classes, as well as posting flyers around the campus” explained Leonard. “Exploring Boston can be expensive getting free admission to the MFA is a great way to spend your time,” said Rajiv Sarin an NECC alumni. The MFA features a wide range of exhibit halls to go through from America, Europe, Asia, and contemporary art.

Each gallery presents a visual and engaging platform for art. Not only does the museum just present art but it gives you a selection of dining halls as well for when you are hungry between fine dining and family-friendly dining. Sarin is excited to see the Frida Kahlo exhibit especially now that he knows about the free admission to the exhibit. Many students have explained they would go to the MFA frequently knowing about the free admission. “I would go every weekend,” says student Victoria Gladstone. Gladstone enjoys the ancient Greek exhibit due to its history and all of the stories behind it.

Cruz also enjoys the ancient Greek exhibit as well; he views the exhibit on its various cultural aspect. Not only can students get free admission into the MFA they are also eligible for a discount purchase made at the MFA shop and more. Schools supplying discounts or being able to give free admission to anywhere is one way for students to be able to out and do something they wouldn’t normally do. Many students don’t have the money to spend on entry fees so having that type of stress is a great way to get students more involved and encourages them to be active and learn new information. Attending educational but interesting exhibits is a way for students to learn outside of the classroom while having fun at the same time, it also expands our cultural backgrounds. Although NECC hasn’t had the opportunity to give out admission to other attractions they are hoping to work on that. “If you check in with your public library they are able to give free admission or discounted tickets to other attractions,” said Leonard.

For example, the Amesbury public library has offered more than free tickets to the MFA, they also have discounted tickets on the New England Aquarium and Museum of Science. Although NECC provides free admission to the MFA, one problem Leonard notices for students is finding transportation. The best way to get into Boston is through the train but discounted tickets for parking at the MFA is a possible option and sometimes dufferent classes or clubs at NECC plan field trips to the museum. NECC professors took a group of students to the MFA on March 8 with free bus transportation provided and the PACE program also brought a group there on March 19. Visiting the MFA is one of many museums students should have the opportunity to see especially if they don’t go to many museums or often. Cruz says “ No time period or culture is the same or has the same style, which is what it makes it truly unique.”

Free movie and dinner for NECC students on Feb. 14

Single or coupled up? Northern Essex Community College is hosting a dinner and movie night February 14th. Put on by Student Government this event is sure to bring people together on this holiday. Room 103 in the Tech center will be playing Valentine’s Day a romantic comedy for this occasion and featuring dinners such as shrimp, steak tips, chicken kabobs and a vegan option all providing sodas, salad, and dessert.

Students with an ID come free, there is a free of $7 for non-students, and faculty. Dinner seating starts at 4:45 p.m and the movie will be showing at 6:30 p.m. Vee Smith created this event, she is always about giving back to the school and making students’ time at NECC more enjoyable.  She was able to advertise this event with bulletin board posting throughout both campuses.

Aaron Lehner, a member of student life did not have much involvement with this particular event but has done past events such as the farmers market, welcome week tabling, and STEM meet and greet.  “I think it’s a good way for people to celebrate V-day and also possibly meet other people if they are going alone,” Lehner said. This event is part of student life’s film series which takes place once a month each semester and with this month is Valentine’s Day they thought it was a great idea to merge the two together.

Planners hope there will be a good amount of students and faculty joining for the dinner and movie event. Events like these are put on to appreciate NECC and to get students involved with as many activities as possible.  Valentine’s Day is to appreciate your loved ones, you don’t need a date for this particular event. President of Student Government Abby Tannant, she is bringing her best friends to celebrate this occasion. “Valentine’s day is not just for couples,” mentioned Tannant.

Not only is Student Life putting on a dinner and movie for Valentine’s Day,  but Student government will also be hosting their yearly Valentines Day scholarship fundraiser in order to help student scholarships.

From 10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m treats and prizes will be displayed from $1 to $5. Tannant who has been a member of student government for two years now has said that being a part of student government was the best decision of her life, getting to be involved with campus life and that she has made so many friends from it.

“We will also be having a sexy talk expert there to talk to students if they have any questions.” said Tannant.  “This gives people a place to celebrate Valentine’s day when they might disregard it,” said student Carl Squatrito.  Both events will have love filled in the air as well as promoting bonding throughout the community.

Students weigh in on singer’s record breaking hits

Singer-Songwriter, 2019 women of the year award and an artist who peaked #1 seven weeks on Billboard 100 Ariana Grande has made the nation go wild for her. With her two trending songs “Thank U, next” that came out November 2018 and “7 Rings” just released Jan. 18, a poll was distributed on my Instgram asking which song NECC students would rather listen to.  Several students favored “Thank U, next” although one student prefererd “7 Rings”

“Thank U, Next” addresses  Grande’s ex-boyfriends and promoting self-love and her new relationship towards herself. “7 Rings” is about friendships but both songs give off the same energy and vibe from one another.  Victoria Gladstone a criminal justice major who always keeps it 100%  preferred  Thank U, next.:

“This one makes me cry so it brings a lot of emotion out,” said Gladstone. Grande has grown significantly since her Victorious days as Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon, from starring in a musical to being the center of a tragedy, to performing for a student organization “March for Our Lives” in support of gun control to coming out of a social media hiatus through tweets for her single “No tears left to cry” in April of 2018.  As Grande grew so did her fans from NECC.  Dog mom Sophia Marcus has also preferred “Thank U, Next”  Through her women empowerment Grande has made it known women can take control of their lives from gracing us with “God is a women” in her latest album “Sweetener.”

“I love how she stands up for women’s rights and is a good example for all women” saidMarcus. With all songs having a meaning behind them there’s no exception when it comes to Grande. While  Grande has battled through anxiety and the suicide bombing after performing her 2017 Dangerous Woman tour in Manchester, UK, “Get Well Soon” is the last track on her Sweetener album. Its duration is 5 minutes and 22 seconds reframing it back to the date of the tragedy. Grande’s songs have been relatable to students lives, “Thank U, next is definitely relatable, I love the thought of acknowledging your past and appreciating how it affected you” said Marcus.

Sallay Thulla preferred “7 Rings.” She loved the idea of friendship and the story behind how Grande bought her and her six friends matching Tiffany’s rings. “7 Rings is a spin-off of “The Sound of Music” which makes the song so catchy and I hope my friend can buy me a Tiffany ring for our friendship,” laughed Thulla.

With “7 Rings “ just launching the singer recently came under fire with associations for cultural appropriation. The lyrics “ You like my hair? Gee, thanks, just bought it’ sparked some controversy through misunderstanding “weaves.”

Thulla saw both perspectives, “Because I am African American, women used to be made fun of wearing weaves but now different races are starting to wear them and not be judged.” said Thulla. Through Ariana’s awareness of her comment in the “Shade room,” she came to apologize and mentioned she had no intention of hurting anyone.

After conducting a survey it would seem that Grande’s music resonates with many students of NECC, Marcus suggested putting on videos to let her fans from NECC know how much she means to her. Gladstone suggested lip-synch battles and possibly inviting her to the college, while Thulla mentioned hosting events featuring Ariana Grande music to bring the community together. “We can have a karaoke night with her music and prizes that feature her merchandise or even concert tickets” explained Thulla.