KSU’s Banned Society hosted a Valentine’s Day themed concert called “WhoDoYouLove” on Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. in University Room C located in the Student Center. This was the first concert hosted by the organization and it was free to all KSU students.
The Banned Society is a community of creators hoping to help cultivate the culture at Kennesaw State University by banding together. The group’s slogan, “those who are banned together, ban together” encompasses the group’s spirit and sense of community.
Members of The Banned Society stood outside of the university room encouraging students to join in and participate in the free event. Students from all backgrounds and majors turned their heads in the direction of the music, curious about the event. The Banned Society President Omar Chery helped set up the event and encourage students to attend.
The inaugural “WhoDoYouLove” concert is in support of Valentine’s Day to celebrate loved ones through the art of music. Sparkling apple juice was provided in champagne flutes to help set the mood. The first concert is geared towards R&B, but the The Banned Society says they are a fan of all types of music.
“We really want to do a rock concert next,” Mike Morton, one of the performers and a member of The Banned Society said. “But it’s Valentine’s Day so we really wanted to slow it down.”
The concert started after 7 p.m., when the lights went out, the strobe lights came on and a DJ started spinning on the stage. Performers jumped and entertained viewers on stage while the DJ spun, getting the crowd excited. Following the DJ was musician Alex Nole who performed some original pieces. Nole’s performance was followed by Mike Morton, also known as his stage name of Mike MRTN. Christian Ahmed, BB Rose and special guest Will Hill followed Morton’s performance on stage.
Nole, Morton and Ahmed are all KSU students, while Rose and Hill are visiting performers from Georgia State University. A majority of the performers are not music majors, but perform in their spare time.
“I’m a political science major with a minor in international affairs,” Morton said.
Omar Chery, president of the organization, is a business major with a love for music and performing.
While Georgia State students are performing, Morton said they wanted to put KSU students on the forefront. Morton believes KSU students have a chance to be discovered.
Performers will be playing their own original songs and mixes and the work will not be censored. The Banned Society hopes to keep hosting free concerts for all KSU students in the future to help other students perform for others and have a chance to be discovered.
