New spot, same song

The Program Board-sponsored Coffeehouse series returns, this time in the new Starbucks

December 3, 2007 —

by Christina Dillbeck

Freshman Paul Logghe sings his versions of "Soco Amaretto Lime" by Brand New and "Hey There Delilah" by the Plain White T's for the coffee-sipping crowd gathered at Starbucks for The Coffeehouse series, hosted by Program Board.

The classic combination of coffee and live, local music in a cozy shop has returned once again to SVSU through the reinstallation of the Program Board-sponsored Coffeehouse series.

After disappearing for a few weeks due to a shortage of funds, the program returned on Wednesday in a new location - the Starbucks in Science East.

The featured act of the night was Nathan Bade, the artist that opened the first Coffeehouse series earlier this year.

"I am so stoked to be back here! " Bade said. "I was shocked to see my name on the flyers - that was really cool."

There was also an open mic sign-up to let other SVSU students flaunt their talents. Those who performed during the open mic ran the gamut in talent from a cappella singing to acoustic guitar playing to rapping. Open mic also brought back some artists, including musician Paul Logghe, who performed solo and with fellow musician Dan Klarich.

The new location for the series received mixed reactions from students and performers. Most agreed that the actual series is a great idea, along with the new location, but that there should have been proper sound equipment.

"This is definitely a better crowd turnout, but the setup doesn't compare to that of the Cardinal Cage," Logghe. said "The crowd is better because, first, more people showed up when they recognized the 'Starbucks' brand name and, second, more people seem to be here to actually hear the music, not just hang out. The only problem with the setup is that there was no proper stage or speaker equipment and it was hard to hear if you were in the back."

Freshman Chrissy Bingle agreed with Logghe.

"I love the actual coffeehouse atmosphere for the 'Coffeehouse' series."

Program Board Chair of Programs and first semester graduate student Tom Acker explained the sound issue. "We did not think that there would be enough room to set up equipment," he said. "We might try a new arrangement next time or we may try to fit some speakers in. It wasn't so bad though because I think that people would have just left if it was completely inaudible.

"In general, this was just an excellent program," Acker continued. "It is what we need to be able to continue doing more great programs and lets us know that these type of programs are well received."

It is questionable whether the Coffeehouse series will continue in Starbucks, move back to its starting location in the Cardinal Cage, or be hosted in an altogether new place.

Acker added that the event listed as "Coffeehouse Series" on Facebook will be a forum for students to voice their opinion of the Series this time around.