SMC Guitar Showcase Plays To Student Talent

Bassist

Cyrus Payne seen here slapping some bass during the Guitar Showcase at the SMC Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, November 26th, 2019. The once-a-semester showcase is put on by SMC guitar students which features different music genres, original songs, and a headlining feature. Cyrus played the bass guitar in multiple songs and also sang the headlining cover of "Just The Two Of Us." (Michael Wass/ The Corsair)

Glasses Down

Cyrus Payne was jamming so hard his glasses fell from his face during the Guitar Showcase at the SMC Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, November 26th, 2019. The once-a-semester showcase is put on by SMC guitar students which features different music genres, original songs, and a headlining feature. Cyrus continued to play on even without his glasses.

Club President

Mariah Baxter, SMC'c guitar club president, performs a cover of "11 Minutes" during the Guitar Showcase at the SMC Performing Arts Center in Santa Monica, Calif. on Tuesday, November 26th, 2019. Maraih assists with the organization of the event as well as recruits members of her club to perform. (Michael Wass/ The Corsair)

The Director

Professor Jimmy Cheesman giving the audience the lowdown on the showcase and plugging a few guitar classes during the Guitar Showcase at the SMC Performing Arts Center in Santa Monica, Calif. on Tuesday, November 26th, 2019. Professor Cheesman teaches guitar, guitar theory, and the history of rock and roll as well as helping with the organization of the showcase each semester. (Michael Wass/ The Corsair)

Saxophone

SMC Professor Keith Fiddmont lays it down on the saxophone during the Guitar Showcase at the SMC Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, November 26th, 2019. The once-a-semester showcase is put on by SMC guitar students and faculty which features different music genres, original songs, and a headlining feature. Professor Fiddmont is a decorated musician and has played with many famous artists and singers. (Michael Wass/ The Corsair)

Saxophone

SMC Professor Keith Fiddmont lays it down on the saxophone during the Guitar Showcase at the SMC Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, November 26th, 2019. The once-a-semester showcase is put on by SMC guitar students and faculty which features different music genres, original songs, and a headlining feature. Professor Fiddmont is a decorated musician and has played with many famous artists and singers. (Michael Wass/ The Corsair)

In the early afternoon of Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2019 on the Santa Monica College (SMC) Performing Arts Campus, a James Brown-style scream rent the air of a warmly-lit room. Rather than prompting worry or concern, those present erupted into cheers and applause. The scream came from vocalist, bassist, and SMC student musician Cyrus Pane, who was performing with a group as part of the SMC Guitar Showcase.

The showcase is a biannual performance put on by students and professors, intended to exhibit the hard work of guitar students each semester. Performers came from all corners of campus, from the SMC Guitar Club to academic classes like Applied Guitar and Music Fundamentals. Tickets for the event were free, and a lively, responsive crowd filled most of the 100-seat Edye room at The Broad Stage.  

This year’s showcase was organized by Mariah Baxter, president of the SMC Guitar Club, and Guitar professor James Cheesman. Performers treated the audience to a variety of original guitar pieces and covers, some of which were accompanied by keyboard, percussion, vocals, and other backings.

A group of students capped off the show as the headlining feature, performing a cover of Bill Withers’ “Just The Two Of Us.” SMC Jazz Studies professor Keith Fiddmont accompanied the group on the saxophone. Fiddmont is a decorated musician who has played with many famous artists and singers, such as Stevie Wonder and Michael Bublé.