Black Box Cabaret Needs Passionate Students

Jessica Diers, Staff Reporter 

Jessica_Diers@csumb.edu

April 7, 2008

Passion to take a stand or make a change can be a powerful asset. CSU Monterey Bay (CSUMB) students have been passionate about a temporary military building on campus since 1996. Through the unwavering passion of faculty, staff and students this temporary military building was transformed into the Black Box Cabaret (BBC). Students have continued to fight for approximately 12 years in order to keep on showcasing local and student talent within the BBC. 

“I was part of the original group of students back in 1999/2000 that helped save the BBC yet again,” said Kevin Miller, web programming specialist. “It is quite disheartening to see a place that I worked so hard for cease to be the safe place for expression it once was; however, I think that it has great promise if students can rally together to take ownership of it.”

The lack of passionate students currently has required the BBC to change hours of operation and eliminate the availability of a hot meal for hungry students. This semesters’ hours of operation are from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. and serve as a safe place for students to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or a pastry. 

Thursday nights, Friday nights, and occasionally Saturday nights the BBC hosts local bands and student events, which typically result in a full house. As for regular week nights, student attendance is at an all time low.

Assistant manager Martin Cornejo said, “The inability to serve hot meals has created less student traffic for the BBC and therefore students are trying to build a new business plan for next year in order to serve food and push for more student activity during the day.” 

“I miss the food that used to be offered at the BBC, it really was the best food on campus,” said Senior and ISSM major Patricia Poston. “I also miss the open mics that were hosted every Thursday, the BBC used to be packed on Thursday nights.” 

Student sacrifices have been made to keep the BBC open and available. In spring 2000, students chanted “Our box, Our Choice” while rallying, marching and fighting for the once temporary military building. The BBC is a reflection of student passion and drive, which is why some feel more reason to keep their eyes on the prize and support the growth of the BBC.