CAB’s regular Coffeehouses got off to an upbeat start last Thursday with the musical talents of Houghton’s faculty.
Over the past decade, coffeehouses have become a staple to gather students around visiting speakers, important issues on campus, or simply some good music. Interestingly, it was only at the end of last semester that CAB hosted its very first ever faculty coffeehouse, as announced on the event’s page. Connie Finney, Benjamin Lipscomb, and Marc Smithers returned to the Java stage Thursday, harmonizing to “You Are my Sunshine” and “Eight Days a Week.”
Professor Lipscomb also performed a spoken word version of”Dynamite” by Bruno Mars mashed up with a rendition of “Brown-Eyed Girl.” Memorably, he adjusted the lyrics to “blue” in honor of Professor Bruxvoort-Lipscomb.
Students came to check out the latest and greatest hits performed by a few of Houghton’s talented faculty and staff, then relaxed in the second hour of the coffeehouse, which focused on hymns. “Honestly, I loved the hymn singing, the second half,” Bonnie Huegel ‘19 commented. “The Beatles were very fun.”
This year, CAB has persistently and intentionally chosen Houghton students and faculty to show their talents in music, with just as much vivacity as years past. Part of CAB’s set up is the sociable yet studious atmosphere of Java is kept during their Thursday night events. Gabi Sheeley, a fellow musician, expressed her thoughts after the coffeehouse, “It’s a place where students can either come and do homework or talk in conversation too- it’s just a good casual outlet.” The come-and-go entourage invited those who wanted to stay for 5 minutes or 2 hours to take a break from the day and enjoy the calming rhythms.
“I enjoy hearing the music, but it’s a different atmosphere from a concert,” agreed Bonnie. “It’s a smaller, more intimate setting. I generally see people I know there and get to listen with friends and acquaintances.”
“We have to put in so much energy to plan out what songs. There’s the pressure of having your fellow students enjoying the music with you,” shared Gabi. “So it’s great to know that we’re supporting each other’s talents and passions.” Just as encouraging as it is to an athlete, or a band member when a friend comes to a game or concert, so it is when showing up to CAB coffeehouses. “I make it a point to go whenever I someone I know is performing,” said Bonnie. “It’s a good break from studying.”
Frequently CAB selections are of singers with a guitar or band accompaniment, which share their picks on both familiar and unfamiliar songs of various genres. Each performer puts their own special twist on how they want to represent their song choices. Upcoming coffeehouses scheduled for the semester include Gabi Sheeley and Gena Hartman, Mason Sebian, Andrew Hutton and Naomi Canaviri, and “Rotheehouse”, a coffeehouse to be performed by the RAs of Roth.
Tyger Doell ‘19, one of the RAs in question, is looking forward to the performance. “It’s a great opportunity for me and some of the other guys on the staff who aren’t super musically inclined to get a chance to shine on the stage,” he said. “I know, for me, it’s always been on my Houghton bucket list. I don’t know how to play the guitar or really any instruments, but with this coffeehouse, I can team up with some of my best friends and we can make music together.”