On Friday November 7, the atmosphere in Eddy Theater was full of nervous energy as the Chatham community waited patiently for their talented peers to take the stage. Hosted by one of the winners of “The Voice,” Javier Colon, Chatham University’s Talent Show brought music from some of Chatham’s finest. Colon augmented the show by giving Chatham an exclusive performance of many of his songs.

“Chatham never ceases to amaze me with its plethora of student talent and variability,” said senior Catherine Giles. Thanks to Student Activities and Resident Life, Family and Friends Weekend of 2014-2015 had a glimmering start.

First to grace the stage was senior Danielle Marcano. Marcano was a natural for the stage with a calm, relaxed aura to her performance.

Though, Marcano wasn’t the only one with the idea to sing for this talent show. First-year Jessica Conrad attracted the audience’s attention with a big finish to her song. She started out her show by taking the microphone off of the stand in order to “use her boots for walking” around the stage.

Avery Walker, graduate student Carmen Adamson, and sophomore Heather Catley commanded their spots of the stage, with musical performances ranging from popular radio tunes to hard alternative rock.

Graduate student Nick Bender and first-year Krista Arena added their own musical instruments to their performances. Bender played his guitar and Arena rocked out with her saxophone skills.

“Chatham students and staff both outdid themselves” said senior Kaitlyn Lacey. “It was a fantastic event and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.”

Performing twice–once with the Relay for Life Committee and once by themselves–sophomores Alice Shy and Lynzy Groves showed their dance skills. For Relay for Life, they revealed Carson the Cougar’s kidnapping activities and his addiction to catnip.

In a special performance by one of Chatham University’s youngest members, Conner Chung, son of Masters of Business Administration Program Director Rachel Chung, sang a beautiful traditional song with his mom there for support.

Bringing Chatham a taste of Bollywood was Tahmina Tursonzadah and her brilliant dance.

Chatham’s Ukulele Club displayed their hard work and dedication to their craft as they strummed together and sang their hearts out.

Karen Salaverria and Kimberly Webb chose to sign “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” from Disney’s “Mulan.”

Last, but certainly not least, came Chatham’s featured performance. As part of Native American Indian Heritage Month, Earl Dingus mesmerized the audience with his strikingly beautiful music called, “Echoes of the Four Directions.” With his handmade flutes and his traditional songs, Earl Dingus took the talent show beyond just a Chatham experience to a level of total fascination. Yet he also made an impact with his modesty and the appreciation he gave to every performer in the talent show.

At the end of the night, when all of the talent was shown, sung, or played, Javier Colon waited patiently for the results of the Talent Show.

The judges for the talent show were Chatham’s own Professor Lorena Williams; Sean McGreevey, Assistant Dean of Career Development; and Zauyah Waite, Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students.

In the end, the third place winner was Tahmina Tursonzadah, the second place winner was Carmen Adamson, and the first place winner of Chatham University’s 2014-2015 Talent Show was Heather Catley.