Claflin Homecoming serves up ‘Another One’; artists for concert named
By: Allegra Portee and Cody Dallas
Nov 04, 2016
Plans for Claflin University’s 2016 Homecoming week were unveiled Thursday, Nov. 3, with the president of the Student Activities Board announcing the artists for the annual Homecoming Concert on Nov. 12.
“The artists we have this year are Sevyn Streeter and K-Camp,” Joshua Johnson told Panther reporters.
The SAB hopes to bring the same excitement that Wale and Bryson Tiller brought in 2015 to this year’s concert, Johnson said.
Johnson worked directly with Claflin Homecoming Committee Chair Konist Davis-Johnson on the concert.
“This year for the concert we sent out two surveys to the student body to choose the artist that they wanted. We looked at artists we could afford, then we have to go see if those artists are available because sometimes they’re already booked or sometimes overseas so we’re not able to get them,” Davis-Johnson said.
The committee contacted artists such as K. Michelle, Fetty Wap, Chance the Rapper and Jacquees. After facing a few difficulties with the artists, from costs to travel issues, they finally chose female recording artist Sevyen Streeter and rapper K-Camp for the concert at 10 p.m. Nov. 12, at Jonas T. Kennedy Center.
“We did the survey, and we originally were going for other artists that are well known, but there were some that were on tour, overseas or their pricing was too high,” Davis-Johnson said.
“They also have to be Claflin-friendly,” she said.
Every year students want to know exactly what “Claflin-friendly” means. Davis-Johnson said she is happy to clarify.
“It doesn’t matter what is said on the floor, but it’s about what comes off of the stage. I have to defend the student body on who we bring to Claflin. Just as I have to look up an artist, so do my superiors. Claflin is my alma mater, and I love her, and I would never bring harm to her. So I’m not going to go across the boundaries of what is acceptable at Claflin and what is not,” Davis-Johnson said.
“We’re not going to have people cursing and taking off their clothes on a Claflin stage,” she said.
“We do fight,” Johnson said about the debate with Davis-Johnson and others on the selection of artists.
Cost is a definite factor, Davis-Johnson said.
“For the whole week of homecoming, in the student aspect we’ll probably spend around $100,000,” she said. The more that is spent on the artists and their many related demands while here, the less there is for other aspects of the celebration.
She cited saving money on sound and lighting, which last year cost $17,000.
“This year, something new that we’re doing is using a different sound and lighting company. Just trying to minimize and save funds so we have more to offer our student body,” Davis-Johnson said.
In all the hype surrounding Claflin’s two homecoming concert artists, not to be forgotten is another guest coming to perform for the Gospel Concert at 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, at JTK.
“We are also having a Gospel Explosion where we will have another artist by the name of John Lakin perform. We are really excited about that,” Davis-Johnson said.
“We have a couple of other gospel choirs from different schools -- Coastal Carolina, South Carolina State University, Benedict College, and our very own Claflin D.R.E.A.M.”
The theme for this year’s homecoming is “Another One,” Johnson said. “Just picking up where we left off last year, bringing more of the same type of energy, same enjoyment, just another one.”
“Every year we try to increase the value for the students, Davis-Johnson said. “My motto is it’s not about me, it’s about the students.”
“I rely heavily on Joshua go give me feedback on what the students want,” Davis-Johnson said.
Johnson said, “I bring her ideas of what I think the study body wants, and we’re just picking up where we left last year. The same type of energy, the same enjoyment -- just another one.”
After the concerts, the week will feature a variety of events such as a dorm step show, themed days, and the annual comedy show. And it would not be homecoming if the comedy show was hosted by anyone other than Claflin alumni Jay Dukes.
“I always try to reach back and bring back our alumni in any aspect,” Davis-Johnson said
“For the Dorm Step Show (6 p.m. Nov. 14 at JTK), each dorm’s participants will step for the title of this year’s 2016-17 Dorm Step Team and win monetary prizes. And later in the week we will have the Greeks perform (Greek Step Show, 9 p.m. Nov. 19 at JTK,” Johnson said.
Zelda Lee, director of alumni relations, said up to 3,000 alumni are expected for the Homecoming weekend.
Entertainer Peabo Bryson headlines the 23rd annual Scholarship Gala on Nov. 18, which along with the Orange and Maroon Dance on Nov. 19 will be headliners for the alumni.
Lee urged students to attend the Founders’ Day ceremony on Nov. 20. The speaker will be state Sen. John Matthews of Bowman.
2016 Homecoming student activities schedule
Saturday November 12, 2016, 8:00-10:00 p.m.
Homecoming Concert featuring K-Camp and Seyven Streeter
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center, Tullis Arena
Sunday November 13, 2016, 3:00 p.m.
Miss Homecoming Crowning
W.V. Middleton Fine Arts Center
Sunday November 13, 2016, 6:00 p.m.
Gospel Explosion
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center, Tullis Arena
Monday November 14, 2016, Noon-1:00 p.m.
Mid - Day – Dorm Stroll Off
Monday November 14, 2016, 6:00 p.m.
Dorm Step Show
Monday November 14, 2016, 9:00-11:30 p.m.
Bon Fire/Car Smash
Tuesday November 15, 2016, Noon-1:00 p.m.
Claflin Pride Day
Tuesday November 15, 2016, 5:30 p.m.
Basketball Game
(Panther Social after the game)
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center, Tullis Arena
Wednesday November 16, 2016
Tacky Wacky Day
Wednesday November 16, 2016, Noon-1:00 p.m.
Mid – Day Greek Stroll
Wednesday November 16, 2016, 6:00 p.m.
Power Hour
The James and Dorothy Z. Elmore Chapel
Wednesday November 16, 2016, 8:00-10:00 p.m.
Homecoming Comedy Show
Thursday November 17, 2016
Favorite Team Jersey Day
Thursday, November 17, 2016, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Outside Pep Rally
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Miss Homecoming Fashion Show
Friday, November 18, 2016
Gala / Tickets for SGA
Friday, November 18, 2016, 7:00-11:00 p.m.
Casino Night
Orange & Maroon Room
Friday, November 18, 2016, 7:00-11:00 p.m.
DJ’s On the Yard
Campus Center and Orange & Maroon Room
Saturday, November 19, 2016, 9:30 a.m.
Parade
Saturday, November 19, 2016, 1:30 p.m.
Homecoming Game
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center, Tullis Arena
Saturday, November 19, 2016, 9:00 p.m.
Greek Step Show
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center, Tullis Arena
2016 Claflin University Homecoming and ReUnion Weekend
Register Online
Thursday, November 17, 2016, 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Welcome Reception and Registration
Visitor Center
Friday, November 18, 2016, 9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.
Back In the Day ($35)
The Premiere
Not going to the Presidential Scholarship Gala? Or looking for something to do after the gala? Enjoy an evening of cocktails and conversations while listening to your “Back in the Day” favorites.
Saturday, November 19, 2016, Noon-4:00 p.m.
Panther Den and Alumni Registration ($20)
Enjoy your classmates during Claflin’s ultimate tailgating experience. Great food, great music and lots of fun.
Saturday, November 19, 2016, 9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.
Orange and Maroon Dance ($45)
The Premiere
Let’s boogie! Come dressed to impress for a night of fun, tasty treats, and great music.
Sunday, November 20, 2016, 8:30 a.m.
1869 Club
Complimentary Farewell Breakfast (Reservation required)
Open to all Alumni and their families.
Sunday, November 20, 2016, 9:30 a.m.
Worship Service
The James and Dorothy Z. Elmore Chapel
(Open to all alumni and their families).
Sunday, November 20, 2016, 4 p.m.
Founders’s Day Convocation
Speaker: Sen. John Matthews
Tullis Arena, JTK