The Union Program Council will host K-Chella, a free student music festival, on Friday night in Bosco Plaza.
The festival, inspired by California’s Coachella music festival, will feature student musicians.
Amanda Coatney, UPC member and junior in food science and industry, said the idea for K-Chella came from the success of UPC’s monthly Open Mic Night events.
“We had a lot of talented musicians come to these regularly and wanted to give them a place to perform outside of the event,” Coatney said.
Friday night will mark the first K-Chella, with UPC planning to make it an annual event. UPC has held similar events in the past, such as the OPUS Battle of the Bands and K-State’s version of “The Voice,” but Coatney said UPC wanted to put on a student showcase this year rather than a student competition.
Ben Chaverin, junior in operational management, will open the K-Chella event with a set of four or five original songs from his extended play record, “The Guy.”
Chaverin said he is excited for the opportunity to showcase his talent.
“I’m just pumped to see the crowd,” Chaverin said. “I’m hoping people will play along and just have a good time listening to a little piece of my heart.”
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Joey Medina, junior in computer science, will also be performing Friday night. Medina is a rapper who goes by the stage name FiveSix and will be performing five original songs.
Medina said promoting his music is not easy, but Manhattan has given him new opportunities for growth and exposure.
“In a college town, networking becomes a little easier due to the fact that you are surrounded by so many people,” Medina said. “Being on campus and making friends is really beneficial, as well as events like K-Chella or Open Mic Night that allow artists such as myself to gain more exposure.”
Medina said he has been practicing his set every day to get his timing and breathing down, and K-Chella attendees can expect both “aggressive” and “hype” songs, as well as more melodic and emotional songs.
“I am most excited for more people to hear what I have to say through the music and to be performing in general,” Medina said. “Attending class on campus during the day and being able to perform there at night is definitely a cool dynamic. I’m ready to give one hell of a show.”
Aside from Chaverin and Medina performing as solo artists, the festival will also feature student bands Clashing Tonalities and Just for Fun.
K-Chella will take place Friday night from 7:30 to 10 p.m. in Bosco Plaza, and admission is free.
