Music, laughter and the smell of baked goods filled the air on Thursday, Oct.16 in Nordhoff Hall 106, where students gathered for “Boogie Nights,” a Halloween disco themed jam session. The musical event was hosted by CSUN’s student run record label, VOVE, in collaboration with the Music Therapy Association of Northridge (MTAN) and the National Association for Music Education (NAFME).

The event was open to all students and featured live performances, baked goods and a Halloween plushie raffle provided by MTAN and NAFME. Attendees had the option to perform or simply enjoy the musical atmosphere.

Josue Manuel May-Quiñones, co-executive for VOVE, described the event as a space for students to relax and connect. He noted that the goal was to create an easygoing environment where students, including those who commute, could unwind after their classes and feel part of the campus community.

May-Quiñones added that the team wanted the event to feel welcoming to anyone who walked in, whether they were performing or just there to listen.

“Whatever the opposite of uptight is, that’s what we want people to feel when they walk in,” May-Quiñones said.

May-Quiñones explained that the event’s purpose is to bring the campus community together by creating a space where students could connect, listen to live music and have fun.

“There’s always people showing up and meeting new faces every time they’re here. We hope to be all-encapsulating for all audiences and students on campus,” May-Quiñones noted.

Students who wanted to perform signed up on a sheet, listing their names, instruments and song choices. Performances ranged from improvised jams to covers, including songs by The Bee Gees and Michael Jackson, and gave students of all skill levels the chance to showcase their talent.

Shereen Saiyed, a junior vocal performance major, performed “Never Can Say Goodbye” by The Jackson 5. After her performance, Saiyed reflected on what it meant to step out of her comfort zone and perform at a jam session for the first time.

“It was my first time performing at something like this, and I had to put a band together last minute,” Saiyed said. “Everybody was so supportive and kind. I just felt safe.”

She said collaborating with other student musicians was one of her favorite parts of the evening. Jamming alongside others allowed her to experiment in working with different musicians. It reminded her of the importance of teamwork and how each musician brings something unique to the performance.

“I really love it when we’re all in synergy, in a community,” Saiyed said, “I’m a soloist, so it was such a fun feeling to communicate with other band members. I wanted everyone to shine and have their own solo moment.”

Saiyed noted that events, such as jam sessions, help beginning artists because they provide a safe space to practice performing in front of people before stepping into bigger venues.

Edwin Villa, assistant marketing lead for VOVE, said the theme combined Halloween with a disco vibe to create something different, giving people a space to groove and enjoy. Villa emphasized the importance of these jam sessions for students, as they give students a chance to express themselves, grow as musicians and develop friendships in a supportive environment.

“Music is universal – it brings people together, gets us moving and synchronized and helps build connections,” Villa said. “These jam sessions give students a place to come out of their shells and embrace themselves.”

CSUN VOVE plans to continue the festive spirit with its annual Halloween Label Bash on Thursday, Oct. 30, featuring performances, food and candy, a costume contest and giveaway prizes. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with live music starting at 7 p.m. More information can be found on their Instagram.