By Amanda Kandasamy ’20
This weekend, Claremont McKenna College celebrates Alumni Weekend not only by playing host to alumni and guests, but also by featuring a number of performing artists set to entertain and dazzle attendees throughout the weekend. Recording artists Meaghan Maples, Spirit of Oya, DJ JiJi Sweet, and Sheldon and Cunnane, will all perform live over the course of the three days, and magician Magic Grimm is set to wow the crowd at Monte Carlo.
On Friday, April 21, Meaghan Maples will take the stage at the After Dinner Lounge hosted at the Alumni Club. Maples, who has been described as the Bay Area native, will perform her debut album, Good Reasons, which she released in May of 2015.
The bluegrass duo of Sheldon and Cunnane will take the stage Saturday afternoon at Stag-a-palooza. A barbecue, yard games, painting station, and other fun activities will serve as the backdrop for Sheldon and Cunnane’s lively Americana music. Originally from Pennsylvania but now based out of Santa Monica, they combine a variety of different instruments including acoustic and electric guitars, harmonica, and mandolin, to develop a unique and laid-back atmosphere for an enjoyable afternoon in the California sun.
Saturday evening’s entertainment will continue at Monte Carlo. Located in McKenna Auditorium, this reincarnation of CMC’s longest running event will star soul artist Spirit of Oya, DJ JiJi Sweet, and magician Magic Grimm. Spirit of Oya’s first album, Oya, was nominated for a 2013 Independent Music Award for Best Album in the R&B/Soul category. Her lively dance band and troop of performers is guaranteed to delight and get your feet moving.
Joining the Spirit of Oya will be DJ JiJi Sweet, from L.A.’s urban adult contemporary radio station 102.3 KJLH. Nominated for the 2015 SEA Female DJ of the Year, DJ JiJi Sweet plays hits ranging from hip-hop and R&B to Top 40 and reggae.
Monte Carlo will also feature close-up professional magician Magic Grimm, who specializes in “strolling magic.” A veteran performer, Magic Grimm has been in the business for over 20 years and is a member of Hollywood’s World Famous Magic Castle. Magic Grimm will entertain and will work his way through the crowd creating a fun, interactive and unique experience for guests.
For more information on Alumni Weekend, please visit cmc.edu/alumni.