Chaos Week at Columbia

Ever since watching artists like The Cool Kids and Flosstradamus turn the inaugural Chaos Week (in 2008) into a raging concert experience, I think I figured out why Columbia gives us such a treat, especially so close to finals. They know we are burned out and there is nothing we like to do more (as students) than proscrastinate. We do so by going to such events to have a good time and why not? Give us a chance to unwind before life really kicks our butt.

Brought together by the Student Programming Board, Chaos Week took place from April 20-24 and they had a variety of events that were both educational, but also fun. Some of the highlights of Chaos Week was the D.I.Y. Fashion and Art Networking event on April 22. There were professionals in the art and fashion world that discussed the importance of building a brand, which, as a journalism major, is a very important part of landing lucrative jobs and selling your idea. Other panelists from VenusZine, Blue Buddha Boutique and other speakers discussed how to create their art and marketiong it towards the right individuals. These industry-led nights are critical to those college students who can't seem to grapple with the idea of “doing-it-yourself,” in order to succeed, and more so, they get expert advice from those who have succeeded themselves.

Of course, Thursday and Friday is the time to unwind, maybe take a shirt off or two at Columbia College (paging Mark Kelly). At the Hokin Annex, Liam Gallagher (notorious for his “Oh My God, Shoes!” video online in which he dresses up as Kelly) as well as other comedy acts kept students laughing for at least three hours.



Friday was an awesome evening. Three “established” artists: Crystal Castles, Deerhunter and Empires performed high-energy sets as throngs of students danced and jammed for four hours. Throughout the night, free giveaways such as shirts and CDs were given to students and I was pleasantly surprised that Columbia was able to pull this off. The three artists that played have played at Chicago's very own Lollapalooza before or will play there this year, a good sign of a talented artist making it on their own.

These events might have been created under the pretense of taking a breather before finals in May, but students need to recognize how these established artists have succeeded in their professions. In college, I view my experiences as a tool for knowledge, the more I know, the better off I will eventually be. While it is fun to let down your hair, these events can help someone network themselves into a career, or even a valuable friendship.

Chaos Week is another brand of Columbia College, an event that promotes the image of Columbia College as a media and performing-arts-based college located in the heart of Chicago's downtown. Hey, some colleges get Carrot Top and Tommy Lee to stop, so I think we should be extremely grateful that we can do much better.