In Zorn Arena on Friday night, Varsity Night Live kicked off the weekend’s Homecoming activities with a lively evening of entertainment showcasing local talent to a crowd of over 1,000 people.

Eleven acts consisting of UW-Eau Claire students performed throughout the evening, exhibiting talents in music, dancing and even martial arts.

Roy Wood Jr., a comedian who has made numerous national television appearances on shows such as “The Late Show with David Letterman”.

Wood joked with the audience about topics such as social media and the cold Wisconsin weather, and he even found time to poke some fun at Chancellor James C. Schmidt. Wood said that when he was a young comedian he was able to work on his stage presence by doing shows at events at Florida State University.

“The amount of love you give these performers tonight is going to go a long way,” Wood said.

The audience was loud and supportive all night, with standing ovations happening after most of the acts.

The Forward Brass Band was performing at their third Varsity Night Live and member Tim Caturia said he was excited with the energy and enthusiasm they received from the crowd.

“This year we’ve had a great response,” Caturia said. “I did not expect the response that we got.”

Caturia and his band even found a way to incorporate the chancellor into their show. After the rest of the band members grabbed onto Caturia’s limbs to use them to play their instruments, Schmidt pulled the chair from beneath Caturia, which left him supported only by his band mates and their instruments.

“We caught (Schmidt) after one of our performances, and we asked him ‘hey do you want to be part of our show’ for VNL, and he said ‘yes, I’m not sure exactly what you’re doing, but yes,’” Caturia said.

Aaron White of The Singing Statesmen and Sarah Steffen of Women’s Concert Chorale capped off the night by being crowned homecoming king and queen respectively.

This event is a Homecoming tradition that has been bringing the Eau Claire student community together for years.

Alumni Amy Renshaw was in attendance for the show.

She said the event holds special significance for her because 28 years ago she and her husband went to the show for their very first date.

“To me (Varsity Night Live) just brings back the fun of being a student and being at school,” Renshaw said.

Students were giddy and spirits were high as students welcomed in homecoming weekend.

“I think it’s a good way to get everyone pumped up before the homecoming game and the parade and it’s just a really great time to hang out with friends,” Jamie Kondro, junior, said of the evening.