Last week, the Dog did something a little different than usual. Instead of an event on campus or in Dogtown, the Dog dug up the bottom of the fence and headed to New Orleans for the CMA/ACP Fall National Media Convention, where he got to learn from many guest speaking events at the conference and experience some of the city’s many offerings.
In total, the Dog attended 10 speaking events. Some of the highlights included How To Defeat Writer’s Block; The Case For Killer Long-Form; and How To Break Into Music Journalism.
The Case for Killer Long-Form, presented by Tom Nelson, director of student media at Loyola Marymount University, covered everything from where to start when writing long-form content to how to organize information to keep the reader hooked.
How to Defeat Writer’s Block, presented by Frazier Smith, faculty advisor of the Flyer News at the University of Dayton, taught different strategies for tackling stories and the various reasons why we sometimes find ourselves with the overwhelming paralysis of writer’s block.
Finally, my favorite out of the bunch was Breaking Into Music Journalism, presented by Sonya Singh, instructor of journalism at California Baptist University, which tackled the questions of “Where do I start?” “Who do I contact to get in touch with a band?” and “How can I be prepared for an interview with an artist?”
All in all, I learned a ton from the conference side of my time in New Orleans, but the best part of the trip for me had to be experiencing New Orleans and all it had to offer.
Between the quaint and charming Catahoula Hotel we stayed on our first night in town to the famous Café Du Monde, where we took in the true live beauty of the city’s street performers while having a cup of coffee and some fresh beignets, there was so much to take in and experience.
Now, without further ado, onto the brief.
xBk election Watch Party
On Tuesday, Nov. 5, xBk will be hosting an Election Watch Party that’s free for all to attend starting at 7:30 p.m. “Join us for an exciting evening as we gather to witness the unfolding of one of the most pivotal moments in our nation’s democracy,” reads their site.
GK x JCLA Karaoke Night
Whether you think you have what it takes to win the Voice or are completely tone deaf, on Wednesday, Nov. 6, GK and the JCLA will be hosting Karaoke Night on Pomerantz Stage from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Come see if you’ve got what it takes, or just have a few laughs.
Acts of Projection Opening Reception
On Thursday, Nov. 7, the Anderson Gallery will debut its new exhibition, Acts of Projection, with an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. and a gallery talk from student curators at 5:30 p.m. The exhibition has been curated by Dr. Maura Lyons and the students of the Art History Program’s Curatorial Seminar, examining two interrelated definitions of projection: lights casting designs on a surface and the psychological concept of externalizing internal anxiety. This will be done by utilizing lantern shows, hand-painted slides, period projectors and projections to simulate the original viewing experience.
Post Election Debrief
On Thursday, Nov. 7 the Drake University Politics Department will be hosting a Post Election Debrief at 4 p.m. in the Reading Room of Cowles Library. The event is open to the entire campus community, and the department looks forward to having a vibrant and respectful conversation over refreshments.
Prince Daddy & the Hyena
If art isn’t your jam, maybe some punk rock is just what you need. On Thursday, Nov. 7, the Albany, NY-based band Prince Daddy & the Hyena will take the stage at Wooly’s with Bouquet, Ben Quad and Stars Hollow. With Prince Daddy’s signature raspy screaming vocals, fast-paced breakdowns and hardcore themes of emotional weight, self-reflection and acceptance of life’s absurdity, it’ll be a show like nothing else. Doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets will cost $26.92.
The 2024 Sussman Leadership Conference Presents: Courageous Conversations
On Saturday, Nov. 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the 2024 Sussman Leadership Conference will present Courageous Conversations, which aims to educate student leaders on how to engage in dialogue that’s inclusive, respectful and builds resilience without silencing voices or causing harm in today’s politically charged environment. The event will be held in Parents Hall in Upper Olmstead and will include a gourmet brunch if you register for the event. Registration closes Nov. 5. The conference is free for all Drake students.
