The Onyx: A Night of Culture, Community, and Creativity — 20 Watts Magazine

Co-hosts Megan Simon (left) and David Barbier Jr. (right) address the well dressed crowd.

By Anwuli Onwaeze / Photos from Sophia Herrera

Shakira Santos, Anita Frasier and BRI dug deep to deliver passionate performances at The Underground.

I thought I’d entered a posh nightclub when I dipped into the Schine Underground last Friday. No one had overlooked the request for all black attire, so we all blended in with the dimly lit, all Black venue. Amidst the black walls and dark atmosphere, the stage was lit, highlighting soft pink balloons which spelled: The Onyx.

This “Evening of Music and Style” was organized by BRI with the help of Syracuse’s Office of Multicultural Affairs. Onyx was created to highlight artists of color at SU and make space for students of color to come together and support each other.

Hosts David Barbier Jr. and Megan Simon kicked off the event at 8, welcoming us into this night of passionate performances.

First up was Shakira Santos, a vocalist from Syracuse who centers her music around her Christian Faith and Puerto Rican background. She gave context to her first piece, a recently released song “Isolate” about keeping gratitude after experiencing the panic of quarantine. Partnered with guitarist Jose Galindo, her buttery vocals melted over my ears and hypnotized the crowd. She finished her set off with a cover of Giveon’s platinum single, Heartbreak Anniversary. Her mesmerizing take on the song brought a fresh softness to it. Santos’ set was short, but left us wanting more, serving as the starter for the night.

Jose Galindo (left) accompanies Shakira Santos.

Soon after, Anita Frasier, a singer-songwriter from Buffalo, NY, took the stage. Accompanied with pianist, Brianna Cofield, she kicked off her set with a somber and soulful cover of The Fugees’ “Killing Me Softly”. The nostalgias definitely washed over the audience as we swayed along to her heartfelt performance. She kept it going with a song she made for her songwriting class about keeping faith even when life consumes you, “Dream Again”. Frasier’s Gospel and R&B background radiated throughout her performance, making her powerhouse vocals unique and unforgettable.

As the band began to set up for the last performance, the hosts called the crowd's attention to the student designers selling their pieces at the end of the room. Adore, creator and CEO of LAVE by Adore, sold graphic hoodies and sweatpants adorned with different versions of her logo. These pieces show how she continues to keep her audience engaged by delivering a fresh take on her classic styles. Dylan Antigua, creator of Pours Les Gens, unveiled his newest design. T-shirts with a global emblem and bold writing illustrated his efforts to reach people all over the world.

After some time, BRI, singer-songwriter from Summit, NJ and the organizer of this event, flounced onto the stage to close the night. Her goal to “tell the stories of underrepresented everyday girls” was extremely present as she drew the crowd in with her bubbly, interactive stage presence.

BRI was far from alone as she played guitar along with Scott Greenbaltt on keys, Luke Brady on bass, and Guilanna Lapalucci on drums. She was backed by vocalists Ji-Soo Shine, Amani Moses and Marie-Elise Abroise.

Her set, filled with unreleased self-written songs, gave us a delightful sneak peek for what she has to come.

“Something Temporary” is a bouncy, soulful track about being chased by someone who’s trying to move too fast.

She immediately switched the vibes with “Just friends”, which is about chasing someone who doesn’t want you. BRI got the crowd involved with a call and response of riffs, beautifully sung by her, but not so much by the crowd. It didn’t matter though because we’d all fallen under the spell of her words. She broke up her originals with a smooth cover of Billie Eilish’s “My Future”. It was an ode to “living in your truth and loving yourself” which had the audience quietly listening in awe.

Bri and company donning slick shades for Mr. Say So.

She performed a song which would be released the next day, “Mr. Say So” about someone trying to tell you what to do even though they can’t take criticism themselves. BRI had an additional request for her fans to bring sunglasses for this song, and sure enough much of the crowd had come prepared. Mid song she slipped on her sunnies as the crowd sang along with her: “Mister say so, how’s it feel to hear no?”

She finished her set with a heartfelt delivery of her song “Better With You” , a soulful ballad which showcased her range perfectly. The audience stood and the band continued to play as she thanked everyone who helped her in making this night possible.

If you weren’t able to make it to The Onyx, you missed an intimate night of storytelling, food, community, and fun which gave great insight to the character of these wonderful performers. But it’s not too late! I’m so excited to listen to Shakira Santos, Anita Frasier and BRI’s beautiful voices in the future.