Chico State’s Associated Students started this month off strong with acoustic melodies. Serenading the Student Service Center Plaza for their new event, Music at The Plaza, recurring during the spring semester, to enjoy live music.

Abraham Trujillo, AS Event and Outreach Assistant, was the organizer behind this event. He wanted to create something for musically inclined students, not only to gain professional experience of being booked for an event, but also to be able to play in a low-stakes, paid opportunity in which students can sign up by submitting their application via a forum that the Associated Students have created.

Trujillo wanted to make this a recurring event for students, using social media as a way to reach out and garner potential performers, and via a forum to find the best accommodations.

The first performer of this new event was Adian Van De Vrugt, who goes by the stage name Markus Lucian. He is a third-year student and is a recording arts major. De Vrugt got into music when he joined his friends’ band back in high school. 

He wanted to participate in the event to earn money for a new tattoo. While De Vrugt had 45 minutes to perform that morning, he added in some extra songs.

In the audience was a surprise visit from De Vrugt’s fiancée, Makayla, who came out in support of him. 

“Are his songs talking about you?” Makayla smirked and covered her face when asked.

Performing music at the SSC plaza is a great, fun opportunity for those who want a taste of being booked for an event. 

Other plaza shows are scheduled on Feb. 16, March 2 and 30, April 13 and 27. All shows from noon to 1 p.m. are open to all community members to support aspiring performers.

Emilio Ceja can be reached at [email protected]