At the Black Box Theatre on Friday, Feb. 4, ravers will dance, spin, and whirl until the early morning hours to help needy children. The Campus Activities Board (CAB), in conjunction with the Children's Miracle Network (CMN), is hosting a Superrave on the Missouri Southern campus.

Music will be spun by a variety of disc jockeys, including DJ Solaris and DJ Shadowrunner of Syquil, DJ Stormy of Cosmic Mafia, and DJ Offtrack of Allergic Entertainment. All proceeds of the event go to the CMN. Jenny Routledge, a Southern graduate who now works with CMN, came up with the idea while trying to develop a way the College and CMN could collaborate.

"It was an idea that we sort of brainstormed in my office," Routledge said. "We were trying to think of some way we could get Southern involved with the Children's Miracle Network." Routledge, who graduated with a degree in sociology in December, was happy that the CMN could finally work with Southern.

"I'm not sure the history on charity-type benefits, but as far as I know, it's the first one in recent years that Missouri Southern has had a partnership with the CMN," she said. The rave has been billed as "an electronic dance, light, and video experience."

Routledge said techno music, a light show, and video screens will be stationed throughout the theatre. However, with the negative reputations of raves being drug-infested orgies, both CAB and the CMN assure that the Superrave at Southern will not be like the infamous ones common to larger cities.

"We want to let everyone know that this is a no-drug, no-alcohol affair mainly because it's for the children and it's on the College campus," Routledge said. To prevent the presence of illegal drugs and alcohol, Val Carlisle, coordinator of student activities, has taken precautions to assure a safe, substance-free evening.

"We have two JPD officers and two campus officers who are going to be there," Carlisle said. "There are going to be lots of faculty, advisers, and that sort of thing just keeping an eye on things."

The event should be an enjoyable night for all who come out to dance. The doors open at 10 p.m. and the evening will end at 4 a.m. Advance tickets are available for $5 at the Billingsly Student Center box office, and will be $7 at the door after midnight.

"We want to encourage students to come, but everyone is welcome," Routledge said. "They're also encouraged to bring their student IDs to get a cheaper ticket after midnight."

Published by The Chart on 2-4-00.

Article's Posting at the Chart's Website