As a night filled with laughter and music, Nostalgia Night 2021 marked itself as memorable for all those in attendance. The performance embedded summer fun in the midst of the cold that the end of February offers and sent the audience into a flashback with music from before the current senior class was born.
With Interim President Paige Cunningham opening the show by conducting a group singing “Sweet Victory,” giving the audience a flashback to “Spongebob,” what could be more iconic?
The beach-themed event honored music from the timeframe of 1998 and before. Artists offered a variety of genres and time periods, including pieces from musical theatre, soft pop and even hip-hop. Selected songs ranged from Frank Sinatra’s 1964 song “Fly Me To The Moon,” to David Glen Eisley’s 1998 anthem “Sweet Victory.” The show provided music for all ages and all preferences, keeping the audience on their toes for the full show.
The emcees slid several references to “Spongebob” into the show, providing laughter for the audience and emphasizing the theme of beach fun throughout the night.
The show’s round-up included a well-balanced group of performances from returning performers and new ones. Freshman Sofia Rivera explained how this experience has been impactful on her time at Taylor.
“Being a freshman, this was my first time performing in front of a large group of Taylor students,” Rivera said. “Since no one really has heard me sing before, it was very nerve racking to perform in front of so many people.”
She said the experience was enjoyable because of the support she received from the Taylor community.
“I was very nervous that I wouldn’t sound nearly as amazing as all the other acts in the show, but the love that so many people have given me has meant so much to me,” Rivera said.
The guest performers from Wengatz hall rounded-out the show.Their performance of the viral TikTok song based on an old sea shanty song, “Wellerman,” brought many laughs from the audience and set the stage for a fun second act.
In a similar fashion to MyGen, there were two separate shows at 6 p.m. and at 9 p.m. The energy levels between the audience of the two shows was also similar to MyGen with the second show being more energetic. Many of the performers discussed this difference, as well as how enjoyable it was for them to perform their act twice.
“I think the two shows was a fantastic idea,” said freshman Aidan Merck. “For one, in case people couldn’t make a certain show, it gave them the chance for two separate times to come. And secondly, it was super fun getting to perform twice. My personal favorite show definitely had to be the second show. The room was absolutely electric.”
Even with this new normal routine to performances like Nostalgia Night, it reminded many of the essence of Taylor and the heart of the community. It highlighted the beauty of the ability to be together again and perform for one another.
No matter the style of the performance or the music offered, the Taylor community will unify and celebrate the talent offered by students.
“That’s what’s great about Taylor,” said sophomore Daaron Fleeger. “I remember in high school when we would play at like a homecoming dance, if you screwed up, they booed at you. At Taylor, if you screw up, they cheer for you. I mean it’s amazing.”
