Students like things that are free. In fact, they love them. They love them even more if they happen to involve bodily piercings, henna tattoos, live music and food. On Friday night, the Wilder Student Union will answer Oberlin College students' prayers with its third annual Wilder Late Nighter.
This vaudeville fair of sorts takes place tonight in Wilder from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Not sure what to expect? Everything a student could desire. The night will feature magicians, tarot and palm readers, live music, free food, henna tattoos, body piercing and hair design, all at the student body's fingertips.
Chris Baymiller and Tina Zwegat, assistant directors of the student union, and the masterminds of the Late Nighter, say that the purpose of the event is to introduce students to the student union building, and all of its offerings. Many first-year students, and even some upperclassmen, don't realize that Wilder is home to an extensive list of organizations. Almost 100 student-run groups use the Wilder facilities weekly, making it a place of constant activity on campus. Wilder is a completely student-run facility and is home to the Union Board, the group that oversees all the commotion.
The event has always been a success in the past, but Zwegat and Baymiller are always open to suggestions from students on how to improve it. Zwegat says the organization of the event is based on ideas received from students. Based on student requests, Zwegat then begins the "highly professional game called phone-tag." Her only disappointment this year is not being able to find a masseuse.
Judging by the list of vendors and performers involved with this year's Late Nighter, we know that Zwegat and Baymiller must have mastered their phone-tag skills. They have enlisted the help of henna tattoo artists who are sure to put smiles on the faces of quite a few students, as well as something slightly more permanent. Students wishing to have something pierced, or their hair styled, should bring ample funds as well.
Everything else is free. The Feve will supply many varieties of enticing food for the students. Palm readers and tarot card readers will be on hand to forecast the year ahead and boardgames will be available all night.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the Late Nighter is the music, provided by Vermont-based Viper House. This nine-member ensemble, complete with organ, violin and horn section, plays what has been classified as "delightfully quirky jazz groove rock." Their show should not to be missed.
Copyright © 1999, The Oberlin Review.
Volume 128, Number 3, September 17, 1999
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