Unforeseen rain did not stop California Baptist University’s Commercial Music Division from kicking off Spring Break with a concert on Thursday, March 6, at 7 p.m.
Originally set for the Mission Hall lawn, the last-minute venue change gave the event an exclusive, private-show feel. Student musicians and singer-songwriters showcased their talents across various genres, turning a potential setback into an intimate warehouse experience.
The event came together seamlessly, thanks to the CBU sound tech team and the talented Commercial Music crew. Despite the small audience, their energy electrified each performance, leaving them wanting more by the end of the night.
The concert lineup featured some of CBU’s top student artists, including singer-songwriter Cadence Barnett, the trio Vespers, and rapper Andi Parker. Each delivered mesmerizing performances that captivated the crowd.
Emilynn Bello, sophomore studio production major, demonstrated her exceptional live production skills. Her melodies, reminiscent of Kate Bush, enchanted the audience.
“I draw my inspiration from the dance underground scene and my own friends—DJs, producers, and artists,” Bello said. “One of my professors asked me to perform at commercial music events when I arrived last September, and it was such a great experience.”
Déjà Vu took the audience on a nostalgic ride, infusing their style into hits by Kelly Clarkson, Adele, 5 Seconds of Summer, and Neon Trees. Their 12-string guitarist delivered a standout performance that amplified the band’s dynamic energy.
“Fickle & Friends was definitely my favorite group,” said Daniel Arriola, junior photography and Christian studies double major. “But I also really enjoyed seeing the 12-string guitarist in Déjà Vu rocking it out.”
Fickle & Friends closed the show with a bang, debuting new band members who added depth to their multi-talented lineup. Their setlist featured soft rock and indie classics from Fleetwood Mac to Lake Street Dive, drawing the audience into an unforgettable musical experience. With stunning harmonies and powerhouse vocals, the band delivered a performance that had the crowd singing along and waving their hands to the melodies.
The Spring Break Kick-Off Concert was more than a showcase—it was a celebration of talent, creativity, and the close-knit music community at CBU. By the end of the night, audience members not only sang along but also stayed behind to help with the breakdown, proving their deep appreciation for the performances.
Taylor Hayes, junior songwriting major, emphasized the importance of events like these.
“Being able to perform in a controlled, supportive environment was important,” Hayes said. “It was like an in-between—public and supportive at the same time, which was real life, but it was also safe and encouraging with your peers.”
Hayes also highlighted how these concerts help students connect.
“I just transferred here two months ago, and I didn’t know any of these people before,” Hayes said. “But coming to school-hosted events helped build friendships and career opportunities. If you were in the music industry—or any industry—connections were important.”
For many, the unexpected venue change made the night even more special.
“I was a little wary of the warehouse at first—I didn’t even know where it was,” Bello said. “But the tech team did such a great job with lighting and curating the space. It worked out really well, and I would love to do it here again.”
With unforgettable performances and an atmosphere that felt like a scene from a movie, the concert set the bar high for future events.
“There was always room for improvement, but that’s what was so great about events like these—good learning experiences,” Arriola said.
If this show was any indication, CBU’s music scene will continue to thrive, and students can’t wait to see what’s next.
