On Wednesday, Feb. 6, the University Activities Board (UAB) hosted one of its monthly music-based events in Talley: Chords and Coffee. At the event, NC State Musicians showed off their recent projects to an audience of other students. Onlookers and performers alike shared free, hot beverages and enjoyed the tunes.
Melodies could be heard drifting out into the night air from One Earth. An inviting refreshments table offered coffee, hot chocolate and hot tea. Students casually chatted and cheered one another on as their peers got up on the small stage to share their talent. Some even sang along to songs they knew.
Caroline Owen, a second-year studying mathematics, performed a rendition of “Sugar” by Maroon 5 that had everyone singing along. Her other song, an original called “Human,” earned the audience’s rapt attention.
Owen is a regular at musical performance events such as Chords and Coffee, and for good reason. According to Owen, though choir has been an integral part of her life since a young age, she has only been writing her own music for roughly two years. However, she is already planning to drop a new EP at the end of this summer. She considers her influences to be a mix of R&B, folk and old jazz.
“I want to be Ella Fitzgerald when I grow up,” Owens said.
Jordan Brooks, a graduate student in mechanical engineering, mixed things up a bit with a gorgeous guitar ballad. He called it a mashup of some of his favorite classical pieces: “Nonesuch,” “Women World” and “Classical Gas,” the three of which he arranged together himself. Perhaps even more impressive was his second performed piece, an original he wrote for piano.
Brooks enjoys spending free time composing his own music. He has had training in classical guitar since a young age, but has never had an official piano lesson. According to Brooks, everything he knows he either picked up from his mom’s pointers or taught himself.
This was Brooks’ first experience at Chords and Coffee.
“I had a lot of fun performing,” Brooks said.
Josie Thompson, coordinator of the event and vice-chair of UAB’s concerts and entertainment committee, and a second-year studying elementary education, wants diverse musicians to continue to come out to Chords and Coffee.
“Chords and Coffee is my favorite event we do because it’s low-key and sort of runs itself,” Thompson said. “Everyone who comes is happy to be there.”
On the first Wednesday of each month, UAB alternates between hosting Chords and Coffee and Karaoke Night. Thompson shared that Karaoke Night is generally a more upbeat event where groups of friends come to just mess around. Chords and Coffee provides a more relaxed environment. Thompson encourages everyone to come out, regardless of skill, and enjoy both of these musical events, even if it’s just to enjoy what others have to offer.
“If nothing else, there’s free refreshments,” Thompson said. “Plus, if you perform, you get a cute UAB coffee mug.”
While there are some veteran musicians like Caroline Owens and Jordan Brooks who perform at these events, there are plenty of others who are just setting out on their musical journey. The audience is an encouraging one, and everyone just wants to see fellow students improve their skills.
Another perk for showing up to Chords and Coffee is entry into the raffle. When you swipe in with your student ID at the event, you are entered into a raffle to win prizes like UAB swag, water bottles and portable speakers.
Chords and Coffee is a great experience for all lovers of music, be it those who perform or those who listen.
