52nd Blackforest a Hit with United College Audience
Talent and tradition took center stage at United College as students wowed the crowd during the 52ndBlackforest event on Saturday, March 29.
This long-standing celebration of student talent had an extra special touch this year, with two of the original founders Larry van Goozen(BASc ‘74) andEric Hall(BASc ‘74), making the trip from the GTA to attend. The pair first launched Blackforest in 1972, and the event has continued annually ever since, with a brief pause during the pandemic.
“It’s terrific to see that students are still carrying forward this tradition,” said van Goozen. “There’s something very special about seeing this kind of continuity.”
The night featured a wide range of performances, opening with a high-energy set from five-piece bandForever Newt, who playedMarry Me, Archiefollowed byI Don’t Love You. “Well, that relationship didn’t last long!” joked co-emceeRoo Collins, who kept the audience smiling alongside co-hostNoor Almahdi.
Don Bethanycaptivated the audience with a beautifully sung a cappella version ofI Could Have Danced All Night, a performance that left the crowd wanting more.
A standout moment came whenElizabeth, Principal Rick’s fifteen-year-old daughter, delivered a powerful rendition ofGive Up Your DreamsڰdzSchool of Rock. Her impressive vocals drew enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
Later, the bandQuint n Essentialshad heads bobbing with their lively version of Stevie Wonder’sSir Duke. Switching gears,Bethany PoltlԻJess Bona, known as theDon Duo, surprised and delighted the audience with a tap dance performance to the hard rock classicBarracuda.
The evening also included several reflective and moving pieces.Andrew Semenenko’spiano soloInterstellarԻJack ArkarԻAlbert Yang’sviolin-piano duetOmariprovided quieter, introspective moments. The show closed on a soulful note withRLC Mary’sheartfelt rendition ofMake You Feel My Love, no surprise to those who know she holds a degree in music.
“We really enjoyed the show,” said co-founder Eric Hall. “We always had a lot of talented students in residence, it’s great to see that’s still true today.”
United College extends its gratitude to organizersLiam McCrory,Niki Nazary, andMary Azouzfor their work in bringing the 52nd Blackforest Review to life—and to the team at²ٲDz’sfor providing the delicious Blackforest cupcakes that sweetened the evening!