The Moorpark College music department hosted their first “Live Mixtape” performance on April 27 in the Performing Arts Center, where the audience experienced the different genres of rock, jazz, country and even original songs made by students.

The Moorpark College Instagram boasted the event as, “the most exciting and eclectic mix of music you’ll experience in Ventura County,” and they did not disappoint. With a wonderful mix of musical showcases, the event had something for everyone to enjoy.

The event kicked off with Wyatt Freihon, a Moorpark student, who came on stage with his guitar, sat down and started his performance off with an emotionally charged instrumental of the cut-down version of the 13-minute song, “The Last Baron,” by Mastodon.

After strumming the guitar for a few seconds, Freihon stopped the song and made a cheeky joke to further connect with his audience.

“Y’all got any plans later tonight? I’m just saying, this song runs into next week,” Freihon said.

Within seconds, the song picked up momentum and amplified the inner turmoil and urgency, slowing down only to crescendo again. Freihon was lost in the song, almost as if the audience was not even there; only him and his guitar.

Freihon’s family was there to support him, expressing their excitement to see him perform again and their happiness from the community Moorpark College has built.

“They move forward, they allow a lot of freedom of expression,” said his mother, Annette O’Donnelly.

Another one of the many performers was Colette Elise Thursby, a dual enrollment at Moorpark College. In addition to being a junior in high school, Thursby is a member of the Concert Choir on campus.

After her performance, Thursby shared her experience navigating her nerves on stage as a featured soloist.

“There’s always a nervousness, but once you get going and you get the energy from the audience,” Thursby said. “All you’re thinking about is, ‘what are they thinking?’ like ‘how’s the audience reacting to it?'”

Thursby also gave insight into what inspired her and got her to love performing.

“I have been singing before I could talk… I am hard of hearing and part of the deaf community; I was born without an ear canal on my left side. So, I used to always love the vibrations in music, so I love bass and I love putting my hand on speakers and stuff,” she said. “So ever since I was little, I just had this connection with vibrations and loved music and wanted to pursue it and my teachers are probably like my biggest inspiration.”

After several additional performances, “Live Mixtape” ended with a cover of “Hey Jude,” by The Beatles, with the audience joining in with claps as the performers sang and invited the audience to sing along with them as well. It was a moment of appreciation for good music from the performers and the audience.

After the show, Interim Director of Choral and Vocal Studies, David Castillo, explained the behind-the-scenes process of creating this show and his motivation.

“This production used to be called the ‘Vocal Showcase.’ Ever since I took over this role, I was just trying to find ways that we could really integrate our music programs. I noticed every program that we have in music is so strong, so I was like, ‘How can we collaborate?'” Castillo explained.

“It isn’t like the regular ‘Vocal Showcase.’ I wanted rap, rock and even spoken words if someone did it. I really wanted to encompass what we do here at Moorpark,” he elaborated.

Transitioning from the traditional “Vocal Showcase” to “Live Mixtape” presented a challenge, as the concept was entirely new and unfamiliar to many. However, amidst this uncertainty, Castillo remained focused on his mission to introduce Moorpark College to this innovative event.

“The difficulty in this was how no one really knew what ‘Live Mixtape’ is. It’s a brand-new thing…and we had a great show so I’m very happy about it,” Castillo shared.

“Live Mixtape” was a celebration of music itself and the musical talent of Moorpark students. The Performing Arts Center spring 2024 season has a few more exciting events in store. To learn more and buy tickets, head to the Moorpark College events page.