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Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

All content by Niyat Teferi
Cover art for "All I Want For Christmas Is You"

Christmas playlist of the week

Niyat Teferi
December 13, 2017

Christmas is near and it's only right to ring in the season with a cheerful holiday playlist. Here are the 15 top Christmas songs that will make your spirits just a little brighter.All I Want For Christmas...

Album artwork for "War and Leisure"

Miguel makes his return with ‘War and Leisure’

Niyat Teferi
December 6, 2017

It’s been more than two years since singer and songwriter Miguel has released his album. His highly anticipated fourth studio album titled “War and Leisure” is making waves with its psychedelic...

Cover art for "Laugh Now, Fly Later."

‘Laugh Now, Fly Later’ is full of predictable weed references

Niyat Teferi
November 19, 2017

On Nov. 10, rapper Wiz Khalifa releases his new mixtape "Laugh Now, Fly Later." The record features 10 tracks and a guest appearance from Casey Veggies. As a rap artist, Khalifa has been pretty consistent...

Baile folklorico performance at Multicultural night. Photo credit: Jessica Carvajal Castillo

Chico State embraces unity at the annual Multicultural Night

Niyat Teferi
November 15, 2017

On Friday, the Diversity Affairs Council hosted the Multicultural Night in the BMU Auditorium. The event featured performances from various multi-ethnic organizations on campus. The theme for the night...

Album art for "Meaning of Life" by Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson returns with a rhythm and blues sound in ‘Meaning of Life’

Niyat Teferi
November 7, 2017

Kelly Clarkson has been a big staple in the music industry for the last 15 years. After her big break in the singing competition "American Idol" the songstress has been unstoppable with her wicked vocals...

Album art for Super Slimey

Young Thug and Future join forces in ‘Super Slimey’

Niyat Teferi
October 30, 2017

On Oct. 20, rappers Young Thug and Future released their collaborative mixtape "Super Slimey." The project includes 13 solo and joint tracks between the rappers. After rumors circulated of Thug and Future...

Painted pumpkins photo for "Paint Night Pumpkins"

Six Halloween activities in the Chico area besides party

Niyat Teferi
October 24, 2017

Halloween is around the corner and everyone is gearing up to show off their spooky costumes and get into the festive season. Chico is known for its very notorious party reputation during this time of year,...

Gucci Mane album artwork for his new album 'Mr. Davis.'

Rapper Gucci Mane drops eleventh studio album ‘Mr. Davis’

Niyat Teferi
October 16, 2017

On Friday, Gucci Mane released his highly anticipated record “Mr. Davis.” The 17 song tracklist features collaborations from big-name artists such as Nicki Minaj, Migos, Ty Dolla $ign, The...

Demi Lovato's "Tell Me You Love Me" album artwork

Demi Lovato delivers powerful rhythm and blues anthem on ‘Tell Me You Love Me’

Niyat Teferi
October 12, 2017

Demi Lovato has come a long way since her Disney days. The talented songstress is back and better than ever with a mature and soulful sound. The record "Tell Me You Love Me" features slow ballads and catchy...

'American Idiot' musical comes to Chico State campus

‘American Idiot’ musical comes to Chico State campus

Niyat Teferi
October 5, 2017

The School of Arts is bringing sex, drugs, rock 'n' roll and politics on stage with Green Day's "American Idiot" musical production.The play is inspired by Green Day’s 2004 hit album “American...

Fergie released 'Double Dutchess' after 11 year album hiatus

Fergie released ‘Double Dutchess’ after 11 year album hiatus

Niyat Teferi
October 2, 2017

After an 11 year wait, Stacy Ann Ferguson, "Fergie," released her highly anticipated album "Double Dutchess." The catchy record includes collaborations with YG, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj and a cute guest...

Photo of Chico Unplugged winners (from left to right: Bradley Relt, Jared Kreuzberger, Thom Lacalle) Photo credit: Caitlyn Young

Musicians crank up the volume at ‘Chico Unplugged’

Niyat Teferi and Caitlyn Young
September 27, 2017

On Thursday, Chico's popular Madison Bear Garden hosted the singer/songwriter competition, "Chico Unplugged." The School of the Arts Production (SOTA) first launched Chico Unplugged in 2012 as a way for...

Album artwork for "Despacito"

Singles that didn’t make the cut

Niyat Teferi
September 21, 2017

A hit single makes it to the radio for obvious reasons. They're catchy and nice to listen to in the car while on your way to work or school. However, the choice of songs that radio DJs pick makes you think...

Promotional poster for 'Insecure.' Insecure is about a woman who finds herself wanting to date other men, despite being in a five-year relationship with Lawrence

Have you ever felt ‘Insecure’?

Niyat Teferi
September 20, 2017

HBO’s hit series “Insecure” has taken ratings by storm. The comedy series follow the lives of gal pals Issa Dee (Issa Rae) and Molly Carter (Yvonne Orji) in their daily adventures as they go through...

Young Simba singing "cant wait to be king" as he runs away from Zazu. Photo credit: Abigail Jones

‘Lion King Jr.’ musical hits the stage at Laxson Auditorium

Niyat Teferi
September 13, 2017
On Thursday night, the Laxson Auditorium held the “Lion King Jr.” performance with children and adults flocking to watch the spectacular show.
Dancers preform for the audience to show off what they can do and to inform us of their upcoming auditions Photo credit: Abigail Jones

Wildcats vibe out on Kendall Lawn

Niyat Teferi
September 6, 2017
The Cross Cultural Leadership Center (CCLC) hosted the annual Wildcat Vibe to help bring students together and kick off the new school year.
Poster of "Girls Trip"

Don’t you wish you went on a “Girls Trip?”

Niyat Teferi
August 24, 2017

“Girls Trip” has taken the box office by storm. The heart-warming comedy entails the crazy getaway trip four gal pals go on to attend the annual Essence Music Festival in New Orleans. The fierce...

1078 says goodbye with Alma Mudder

Niyat Teferi
May 9, 2017

Active artists make their way back to their roots to show their work. As the 1078 gallery prepares to say goodbye to their current venue and relocate into a new space, the exhibition committee hosted the...

'Fate of the Furious' reminds fans why they fell in love with the franchise

‘Fate of the Furious’ reminds fans why they fell in love with the franchise

Niyat Teferi
May 4, 2017

The Fast and Furious franchise has captured the hearts of street racing car lovers for the past 16 years."Fate of the Furious" is the latest installment that brings surprising new twists and turns for...

This slide shown during Take Back the Mic displays a simple yet powerful thank you to those who shared their experience through poetry. Photo credit: Carlos Gonzalez

Sexual assault survivors and allies gather in solidarity

Niyat Teferi
May 2, 2017

Students and alumni shared their stories through powerful and emotional poetry in solidarity and support of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.The Associated Students Gender & Sexuality Equity Center hosted...

courtesy photo

There’s more than bunnies under top hats

Niyat Teferi
April 11, 2017

On April 5th, the Laxson Auditorium held a magic show hosted by the popular Australian duo known as the “Naked Magicians.”The Naked Magicians consisted of two handsome, talented magicians that...

Students instruct children with dance moves. Photo courtesy of University Events.

Broadway Boogie gets Chico up and dancing

Niyat Teferi and Natasha Doron
April 10, 2017

Along with the usual evening downtown foot traffic, hoards of people made their way to a stretch of road between Broadway and Main. A dance instructors voice reverberated over the Tuesday night noise,...

Show Banga during his interview at the after party Photo credit: Natasha Doron

Q&A with Show Banga

Niyat Teferi and Natasha Doron
April 7, 2017

For the last several years, rapper "Show Banga" has made a name for himself in the Bay Area and West coast music scene. The San Francisco native has made multiple hits and collaborated with big names like...

DJ Daniel James during his set at the UHM fest Photo credit: Natasha Doron

UHM Festival

Niyat Teferi
April 6, 2017

On Saturday, UnderHouse Music held their “UHM Fest.” The two-part event included performances from numerous local music acts such as HowFlyy, Stosu, Clumy Stoners, UnderHouse Music artists...

Rick Ross’ ninth album breaks the mold

Niyat Teferi
April 5, 2017

Rick Ross’ latest project, “Rather You Than Me,” displays an artistic side of Ross that fans have never seen before, as well as solidifying why he’s ranked in the top elite of the...

Album Review on "Hndrxx"

Album Review on “Hndrxx”

Niyat Teferi
March 26, 2017
Rapper Future released his latest project titled "Hndrxx," debuting number one on the Billboard 200.
Student artist creates pro-black art

Student artist creates pro-black art

Niyat Teferi
March 24, 2017

Art is a universal and visual language embraced and appreciated by many. One specific style of art, ‘pro-black art,’ is making waves on social media platforms. The art movement’s...

Stage set up for Goonfest X before the show. Photo credit: Natasha Doron

Goonfest X is an opportunity for NorCal talent to shine

Niyat Teferi
March 13, 2017

On March 11, the popular 1078 gallery hosted the ‘Goonfest X’ show that had the audience up on their feet. Goonfest X is a series of shows put together by promoter and artist Schwog that are held in...

Coming in fifth place is Brooklyn Bagels Photo credit: Carlos Gonzalez

Top 5 places to study off campus

Niyat Teferi
March 6, 2017

Midterm season is fast approaching and students need a quiet and peaceful place to study. With common study spots such as the library that tend to be over crowded here are the top five off-campus places...

Artists mix poetry with music

Artists mix poetry with music

Niyat Teferi
March 1, 2017

Longtime poet and jazz veterans Robert Pinsky and Laurence Hobgood filled the night with some of their classic pieces. Chico State held the "PoemJazz" event at the Harlen Adams theater Feb. 26 where both...

Album review of Big Sean “I Decided”

Niyat Teferi
February 24, 2017
Rapper Big Sean releases his anticipated fourth studio album debuting number one on the Billboard 200.
Dplx shows off his DJ skills during his performance at 1078 Gallery hosted by Underhouse Music Photo credit: Natasha Doron

Interview with DJ Dplx

Niyat Teferi
February 22, 2017
Chico State student Tanner Walsh, known as "Dplx", performs at the 1078 gallery
Jae during his interview with Niyat. Photo credit: Natasha Doron

Interview with rapper and producer Jae

Niyat Teferi
February 15, 2017
San Diego based artist Jae performed at the 1078 gallery and sat down for an interview
Calex performing at DJ Malachi's Nef the Pharoah Concert Photo credit: Natasha Doron

Local hip-hop artist bursting with talent

Niyat Teferi
February 7, 2017

Conscious hip-hop artists similar to the likes of Andre 3000 and Kendrick Lamar are hard to come by. But Chico State student, and artist, Calex is a rapper born with this capacity of talent. Christian...

DJ and rapper Chico performance

DJ and rapper Chico performance

Niyat Teferi and Natasha Doron
February 7, 2017

With Chico State being known for its party scene, other neighboring colleges, such as Sacramento State and Cal State East Bay, have students flocking to the 530 on Labor Day and Halloween weekend to see...

Photo credit: Natasha Doron

Interview and Chico performance with World 9

Niyat Teferi
February 1, 2017
LA based Hip hop group World 9 performs at the Chico gallery
Leftover Salmon doesn't stink at Chico Performance

Leftover Salmon doesn’t stink at Chico Performance

Niyat Teferi
January 24, 2017

Sierra Nevada, Chico's own brewing company, hosted one of their many events in January. The festival event was for all ages and included a special performance by the rock band, Leftover Salmon.Established...