Katie Nader, Special to The Denisonian–

On April 26, Reese-Shackelford Common was alive with music and dance. The Black Student Union (BSU) and Doobie Radio presented Culture Palooza, which has become a highlight of the spring semester.

The doors opened at 5:30 p.m., and the Denison K-pop Dance Group (DKDG) took the stage at 5:45 p.m. Dancing from AfroSpice followed at 6:05 p.m., and then IDM continued the dance performances at 6:30 p.m.

Band performances continued the night’s festivities, with the student band Doghouse beginning playing at 7:00 p.m. Rapper and singer Kyle followed at 7:40 p.m. and hip-hop duo Flyana Boss concluded the night, starting their performance at 8:55 p.m.

Emma Hall ‘26 is a dancer for DKDG and performed at the event. Hall enjoyed performing to show people that K-pop can go beyond its typical crowd. 

“I like to show people it can be more than that,” said Hall.

Many of the dancers feel that when they dance, it is like dancing with a family. Jazalynn Thompson ‘27 notes that the group has a “special bond between each other and being able to feel that on the stage is very special.” She danced with IDM during the event.

Fallon Brackley ‘25, who also danced with IDM, said her favorite part is “looking at the audience, looking at us. I love looking at each other too.” Brackley said that their performance was more than just for the audience: “It is almost a performance within ourselves as much as it is for them.”

Doghouse drummer Erica Elefson ‘26, said the sound check was her favorite part. The band was able to play “Call Me Back Again” by Wings for the first time during the check. 

At the event attendees had the opportunity to enjoy free food from the Burrito Bus and Zaki’s Mediterranean Grill food trucks, which were available until 8 p.m.

Tyler Thompson ‘27 said the event was “really hype.” He remembered seeing Flyana Boss on TikTok a few years ago, “so seeing them in concert was really fulfilling.”

Collaboration between BSU and the Doobie Radio created a night filled with music, dance, and energy for Denison University’s community.