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February 16, 2007

It’s Got Moxie, Kid

This year’s Blue and White Bash features ‘20s themes and events

Story by: Cassie Smith

Contributor to The Shorthorn

The Shorthorn: File Art

Students dance on the stage during the Blue and White Bash in the University Center. The band played several songs ranging from “Sweet Home Alabama” to “Beep.”

Bash from the Past will be this year’s theme for the final Homecoming celebration — the all-free Blue and White Bash from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Feb. 23 at various locations in the University Center.

The party will feature a ’20s-style Las Vegas Casino, novelties such as an inflatable boxing ring, waxed-hand sculptures, airbrush tattoos and a mechanical bull. A ’80s-themed karaoke setup will be in the UC Bowling and Billiards. Attendees can make a music video, eat free food and enter for a chance to win prizes.

Canadian comedian Jim Mackenzie will perform a comedy show at the event.

“I am very excited to be doing this at this university,” Mackenzie said. “I am new to the college market and I am just trying to get my name out more and more.”

Mackenzie has performed at festivals and corporate events for 20 years. He will attempt his latest act update — sword swallowing — at the Blue and White Bash.

The Shorthorn: File Art

Broadcast sophomore English Young lies on her back after being thrown from a mechanical during the annual Blue and White Bash in the University Center. The Homecoming Week event included a palm reader, karaoke, artists, food, gambling and live music.

“There are only 77 known performing sword swallowers in the world, a rare art, a dangerous sort of art,” he said. “I just happen to be one of them.”

Mackenzie will also use a bullwhip to attempt to slice a carrot held in an audience volunteer’s hand.

Veronica Rendon, education sophomore and EX.C.E.L. Campus Activities campus traditions director, is on the Homecoming Committee working on the Blue and White Bash.

“We had well over 1,000 people last year. It’s something the whole school looks forward to and it’s always such a great event,” Rendon said. “I think the event sells itself with the words free everything.”

Also at the event will be The Texas Gypsies, an acoustic combination that meshes gypsy jazz with western swing, to perform for students.

PK Kelly, Student Activities associate director, said the event will be a great experience for the university community and that the Student Alumni Association will announce the winner of its tuition raffle that night.