Last weekend students dropped by the Sandbar on Friday and Saturday nights to enjoy the year’s first DoubleShot CoffeeHouse event hosted by the Student Programming Board.
Each night was a different experience but both nights offered worthwhile shows featuring exceptionally talented students that brought the two-night event together.
Friday’s opening act for DoubleShot weekend was sophomore Maegan Blansett. Blansett performed several original songs that were reminiscent of singer Jewel’s rhythmic pop style.
She especially impressed the crowd during one of her songs when she began to whistle the tune for the entire length of a verse.
“I’ve never heard her before said senior Brandon Barnett,but I like her style.”
After Blansett’s set there was a short pause for students to stretch or run over to Matt’s Coffee truck in Joslyn Plaza which was passing out free specialty made-to-order drinks to students attending the event.
As students found their seats again Amy Kuney the next performer started tuning her guitar. Kuney who grew up traveling the globe with her parents on missionary trips started singing and writing her own songs when she was living in Honduras. “I couldn’t speak Spanish so I didn’t have many friends Kuney said in response to why she took up music as a hobby.
The first original song she sang, Downhill from Here talked about facing struggle in the past in a way that showcased her unique upbringing while still relating to the audience.
On Saturday night, stage veteran Nevin James serenaded the crowd. In another stellar performance, he livened up the crowd with his energetic and melodic music, setting the tone for Saturday evening. James’ energy carried through until Will Knox took the stage and completely changed the tone.
Flying out from his tour in Europe, he regaled the crowd with his British accent, charming stories and whimsical music. In writing his lyrics, he took from experiences in his own life and made them universal.
Also on Saturday, the Student Programming Board provided The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf coffee as well as snacks ranging from Goldfish to Oreos. This year, they went one step further and set up an electric teakettle for those who prefer tea, which included several choices, including green tea, lemon lift and orange spice. It’s a fun way to spend an evening Senior Lea Westman said.
The Student Programming Board has already started planning the next CoffeeHouse event, which will take place Oct. 22.
The CoffeeHouse events are always an excellent opportunity to showcase students’ many talents in front of their peers with free coffee and snacks.
Bring your friends, your room mates, whoever may be around because as Westman said, who doesn’t like free coffee?”