On Thursday, Oct. 10, California Baptist University’s School of Performing Arts held its second Faculty Artist Series of the semester at Lancer Plaza, featuring a performance by Professor James Michael O’Neal, known on stage as J. Mike.
The performance began at 7 p.m. and, while originally scheduled to end at 8:30 p.m., J. Mike and Friends extended the show until after 9 p.m. Students filled every corner of the event, captivated as J. Mike brought out various singers to perform with the band.
Adjunct Professor James O’Neal explains the group and stage name, ” I’m J. Mike, that’s just my stage name and then friends, because sometimes some of the band, depending on who’s in town, sometimes it changes up a little bit, but for the most part, it’s a pretty consistent group.”
J. Mike and Friends drew attention from students passing by on their way to Community Life or the recreation center, stopping many in their tracks to listen.
The first guest performer was Kala Banham, a contestant from season 23 of The Voice. She performed original songs like “All That I Knew” and “Libra Sun,” which O’Neal helped arrange. This was Banham’s first time performing these songs live.
After Banham, CBU alumnus Trevon Thompson took the stage, followed by Aretha Scruggs, another friend of J. Mike. CBU alumnus, Cameron Evans then performed on the soprano saxophone and saxophone, and the final singer of the night was ALI, another performer from season 23 of The Voice and a family friend of J. Mike. ALI performed original music, including “Underwater,” a song about living as someone who is deaf.
Eva Mason, freshman international studies major, attended the show and was surprised when she heard ALI singing.
“I really enjoyed, ALI; I really like her voice. It was unexpected to hear she had a voice like that, and Aretha, I also really enjoyed her voice.” Mason said.
ALI’s performance left a lasting impression, as she shared her personal story.
Sarah Jenkins, sophomore songwriting major, “The most inspiring, ALI, who is one of the vocalists that J. Mike has known since she was a kid. She sang one of her originals about being underwater and she was explaining how she is deaf and wears hearing aids and how this song is about how she views the world because of how she has to hear sound, and I thought that was amazing.” Jenkins continued with the takeaway that she got from the performance, “Whatever your limitations are there’s a way to work through that.”
The jazz music echoed through Lancer Plaza, with students giving standing ovations and shouting, “You’re amazing.”
Aiden Gomez, sophomore commercial music vocal major said, “One thing that I think was special about tonight is that there is such a high level of musicality that can be appreciated by a general person, but also appreciated in such a way as a musician. We’re musicians. We hear little things and maybe not everyone realizes it but it’s such a deep level.”
The performance was full of emotion and passion for music that was noticeable from all performers. The night was in dedication to O’Neal’s father, who passed, which prompted O’Neal to leave a message to the audience, especially his students.
“One of my highlights was when we did ‘Time After Time’ by Cyndi Lauper and Trevon and Aretha just went all the way in,” O’Neal said. “It’s a tribute to my dad and to friends that I’ve lost, and it’s also just a reminder that one of the main themes of that song is I will be right there with you.”
The message of the song correlated with a lesson that he learned from his father, that he wanted to pass on to the audience and students in attendance at the show.
“I think for me, remembering my father and my other friends that I have lost is being taught how to be a real friend, and God has blessed me personally to be able to be an example of a believer, to friends that have actually went to Christ by just being an example of someone who loves God and loves people,” O’Neal said. “And so it’s just something that’s just a reminder to me of the strongest, most powerful thing on the planet is God’s love, and the Ministry of a friend.”
As the night continued, Scruggs returned to perform a Jackson 5 classic, “Never Can Say Goodbye,” with students rising from their chairs to create a dance floor in the middle of Lancer Plaza.
J. Mike’s recital showcased his students, friends, and family, featuring CBU alumni and current students as part of the band. His dedication to his music and students was evident, as he worked on recording albums for his performers in addition to his own music.
“When I write arrangements for a cover, I like to reimagine it. Cameron’s first single is already out on all platforms, and I’m working on Trevon’s album too,” O’Neal said.
The Jazz arrangements and music showed the students what they could do and left a lasting impression.
“Some people think that Jazz is for the people.. that’s incorrect. J. Mike showed that you can turn any song into something that you love and make it relatable for everyone else,” Jenkins said.
O’Neal encouraged his students to use their creativity to amplify important messages. “As creatives, we can amplify other platforms through our work. We can create music that addresses healing from domestic abuse, grief from loss, and partner with organizations doing community work,” O’Neal said.
To listen to the music from the night’s performers, check their names across all platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. Trevon Thompson’s album will be released at the end of next year, Cameron Evans and Aretha Scruggs are also found on Spotify. To hear music from Professor O’Neal he can be found by J. Michael O’Neal and his arrangement “Fireworks” will be released on Dec. 14 across all platforms.
