Roddy Tano, junior applied theology major performs a song at woofest.
California Baptist University students donned their most formal attire Feb. 17 and headed to the Fox Performing Arts Center in downtown Riverside for this year’s WooFest.
The theme of the event was “Bond, James Bond,” portrayed by Chris Pearce, senior business administration major. What started as an event in the Alumni Dining Commons, WooFest reached new heights held at the Fox Theater. Pearce said the theater was the perfect venue to host WooFest.
“It was really cool seeing it off campus as opposed to the gym,” Pearce said.
As CBU’s first ever James Bond, Pearce said it took a lot of preparation to make the event happen, including saving the day.
“Who wouldn’t want to play James Bond at the Fox?” Pearce said. “The hardest part was besting the bad guy and saving the girl, but it was all in a day’s work.”
Some of the acts included performances by Noah Young, sophomore criminal justice major, The Agapes, Three’s a Crowd, We Free Men, Be Fruitful and Multiply, Lovely Eyes and the annual resident adviser dance. The event attracted hundreds of students to the venue, including first time WooFest goers.
Laura Walker, senior aviation flight major, had never attended the event and said she enjoyed the various acts and performances.
“I was pleasantly surprised,” Walker said. “There were a lot more people than I expected and the night was entertaining.”
Walker said one of her favorite performances was the lip sync act performed by Lovely Eyes as she found it to be the most entertaining.
“I loved Jackson (Burge’s) part and thought the entire performance was so funny and enjoyable,” Walker said.
After the performances concluded, students were invited to stick around the venue for refreshments, photo opportunities and a chance to mingle with fellow students.
The night showcased not only the most formal wear of its attendees but the talents the men of CBU had to offer. Eric Lee, senior electrical and computer engineering major and member of The Wonders and We Free Men, said being able to ‘woo’ the women of CBU with talent is a ton of fun.
“I enjoyed being a part of such a high-energy and positive show that everyone enjoys,” Lee said.
Lee, a veteran performer in WooFest said this year the energy was higher and the talent was at a new level.
“Every year, the energy seems to grow. This year’s WooFest was especially different from last year’s being at the Fox Theater,” Lee said. “It was such a a cool experience to perform in such a nice venue with a bigger crowd than what we’ve had in the Van Dyne Gym.”
A choreographed medley performed by the male resident advisers concluded the formal and entertaining evening.
