CORE Butte’s Spring Showcase ran nearly an hour past its scheduled end time Friday evening, but two student bands still delivered well‑received performances for the audience members who stayed.

The theater portion of the event exceeded its planned length, ending close to the original 6:30 p.m. wrap time. As a result, the Choir Club’s performance of “Viva La Vida” was cut, though the two Music Studio bands opted to perform their sets.

The first of these was a band by the name of Papercuts, who performed an array of contemporary jazz, as well as some soft alt-rock tunes. The group consists of lead singer and pianist Alana Pitcher, guitarist Abby Eastman, bassist and backup vocalist Faith Rash, singer Katelyn Copper, and drummer Blaine Kringle. Some of the standout numbers were covers of “L-O-V-E” by Nat King Cole, “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer, and “Valentine” by Laufey. Alana led the performance with steady vocals supported by three‑part harmonies from Katelyn and Faith. The arrangement featured soft keyboard accompaniment, brushed percussion, and finger‑picked guitar, creating a consistent, low‑volume sound throughout the set.

After a healthy dose of tasteful melody from Papercuts, the show “amped up” as Ian James walked on stage with his royal blue electric guitar as a member of Ankle Socks & Birkenstocks, who delivered a performance consisting of sad girl indie and male manipulator rock. Joining Ian onstage were lead singer Milora Wright, pianist Ellie Feather, bass guitarist Jack Stover, and drummer Jackson Dake. Some of the most electrifying tracks played were “Brazil” by Declan McKenna, “Motion Sickness” by Phoebe Bridgers, and Radiohead’s “High and Dry”. For the final two songs, Ian swapped to an acoustic guitar and performed from the front steps of the stage, joined by audience member Lowell Werblow III, who did not contribute musically, but decidedly did so through vibes. Milora delivered compelling lead vocals while the rest of the band provided rhythmic and instrumental support, with prominent percussion, guitar riffs, keyboard lines, and bass patterns.

The show concluded around 7:30 p.m., marking a longer-than-expected but well-attended finish to the annual arts showcase.