West Chester University - Serpentine Yearbook (West Chester, PA)

Page 78 text:

%: ' ( This year ' s winner the Thrill of Oz was a masterfully sketched program about Mi- chael Jackson ' s famous record from 1984 entitled Thriller and the 1939 movie that captured the hearts of America — The Wizard of Oz. The group came in with an illustrious finish and was the sure favorite of the audience. Oz was in competion with Bruce Springsteen and groups like Motley Crue which had no chance against the choreographed and well costumed group as was the Thrill of Oz. They created the Broadway image that made the competi- tion a sucess. The best part about the airband com- petition was that it was a good time of fun and frolicking for all, according to Rob Di Stefano, Entertainment editor of the Quad. It really didn ' t matter who won or who lost, it mattered if you had fun doing it and everyone accomplished that goal. This year was the year of the Airband co m- petition at West Chester. People were talk- ing about it long before it ever happened and everyone knew it would be a smash, and it was. Just for the record, first place prize was $200 that went to the Thrill of Oz, and the second place winnings of $150 went to The American Band (Bruce Spr- ingsteen). Other performers were INXS, Amy Grant, Samantha Fox, Bonnie Tyler, and Run DMC. All bands finished first and were RAM TOUGH!!! The Thrill of Oz- 1988 winner of this year ' s Airband Competition. 74

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RAM TOUGH Competition Sandra Smith shows what it takes to look and act hke Jodie Watley. She is a veteran of the Airband competition and knows how to play the part. Todd McKinnely showing his stuff as Clar- ence from the E Street Band. Is that really Prince and Jodie Watley here at WCU? Airband ' 88 ventured into the world of big time stars such as Prince and Bruce Springsteen when these acts went head to head for the title. All of the group scoring was based on a points system for best lipping, most original, best performance and over- all. All of the acts were judged under these guidelines and they all were good enough to win in our hearts as well as their own hearts. When the evening started many acts were asked how they felt, and the reply was syno- nomous, We ' re gonna have a blast. Although they had fun, they were up there competing for the winning spot. It took hours of practicing and hours of preparing for such an endeavor. Only the acts knew what it took. To the audience, the peformance was fantastic and enjoyable for the whole crowd. 73

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This year ' s best! Billy -Joel never looked so good as he did during this years Airband competition. All of the participants made the evening a night to remember. The acts included; INXS. Jodie Watley. Rizen, L.L. Cool Crew. Sanderson Crue, Thrill of Oz, Up- ward Motion, Stevie Nicks and the Micks, Angry Young Man, Theta and the Phees, Emotionally Disturbed, RUN DMC Aer- osmith, Bruce Springsteen and the Amer- ica Band, and Back with a Vengeance. 75