Starlight, Stars Shone Bright

In lieu of Thursday nights meteor shower, the Beta Phi Sorority’s Annual Starlight Show gave a whole new meaning to the phrase, “shooting stars.” In an effort to raise funds for the organization Books For Love, the Beta Phi Sorority held their annual benefit show, and it was certainly one to remember.

Photo: Group Performance - Diamond Life

Through the loss of Lorena Ortega-Gutierrez’s brother, a Beta Phi alumna, the inspirational and impacting organization, Books For Love, was created. In honor of her brother, Love, Lorena started the group to collect and donate school supplies to underprivileged children in the Philippines and Brazil. Since becoming established, the organization has sent over 5,000 books to a vast number of children and communities.

“My first spoken word performance was at Starlight Show in 2011,” shared solo artist Lauren Funiestas. As an alumna of Beta Phi Sorority, she has watched as the show and organization has become what it is today.

Photo: Performer - Lauren Funiestas

It is with the consistent support of talented Bay Area performers, that the Starlight Show has raised hundreds of dollars each year to contribute to Books For Love. After this year’s performance, the showcase has once again been able to raise a few hundred dollars for the organization.  

The culmination of group and solo talent left for a night of pure awe. Groups like, Front Street Girls and Diamond Life, as well as solo performances from Lauren Funiestas, PAZ and Frisco, gave the audience an evening of excitement and a glimpse into the “realness” that is Bay Area arts.

The night was successfully topped of with headlining performances by DJ Mista-B and Rocky Rivera. As DJ Mista-B created an audience roar with his unmatched DJ skills, the cherry on top was with Rocky Rivera and her up-close, “fireside” performance. Though not her typical venue, Rocky Rivera made certain that the show captured her raw and urban Bay Area vibe, proclaiming, “You all are the coolest sorority I know.”

Photo: Performer - Rocky Rivera

Despite the adversity that many Bay Area students and performers have faced, the willingness of our youth to give back to others despite any personal hardships, is yet another reason to continue our hope in humanity.

“Your biggest oppressor is yourself,” noted the a cappella singers of Front Street Girls. For them, the chance to perform at the Starlight Show was another opportunity to fulfill their belief in philanthropy and female artists. “Struggle through and you can succeed.”

Photo: Group Performance - Front Street Girls

Though the next performance is yet another year away, it is not to say that both Beta Phi Sorority and our Bay Area artists have once again made the stars shine just a bit more bright.

By Rebecca Richardson

Photo Links:
Nico: http://i48.tinypic.com/xyv08.jpg
PAZ: http://i48.tinypic.com/29atf6x.jpg
Front Street Girls: http://i48.tinypic.com/ny5hy1.jpg
Lauren Funiestas: http://i46.tinypic.com/mrb4x.jpg
Diamond Life: http://i47.tinypic.com/34zhu05.jpg ; http://i47.tinypic.com/29nf53r.jpg
Rocky Rivera: http://i48.tinypic.com/3522fcw.jpg