Blackbird provides ameteurs chance to jam

    A quiet tapping on the microphone and a request to silence all cell phones signifies the beginning of Acoustic Night at Blackbird Coffee.  Every Tuesday around 8 p.m., students and non-students alike gather in the basement of Blackbird to show their creativity. 
      Casey Sullivan, a junior Art Studios major, developed “Acoustic Night” from poetry night.  The setup is similar.  In both instances people go to the stage in the basement of Blackbird to recite original or previously performed poetry.  Sullivan just put a twist on a growing epidemic for creativity.
    “Last year during poetry night, people began to bring acoustic guitars on stage to perform,” said Sullivan.  “Since people were starting to play music it just seemed like a natural progression to devote a night to music rather than simply poetry.”
    And so last January Acoustic Night began. 
    The stage is set and seating is provided.  Musicians can choose to sit or stand, but a stool provides most of the performers with support.  However, the audience also provides a different kind of support.  Performing for the first time, Kelly Nicholson, a sophomore Outdoor Education major, was nervous when her name was called from Sullivan’s list of performers. 
    “(Acoustic Night) was the most people I had ever played in front of,” Nicholson said.  “My natural instinct was to be nervous, but I asked for love from the audience.  They cheered and I was not so nervous anymore.  They were a generous audience.”
    Sarah Fleetwood, a junior Art major and regular Acoustic Night attendee loves the atmosphere. 
    “Acoustic Night is one of my favorite things to do in Milledgeville,” Fleetwood said.  “There’s nothing better than enjoying a fine cup of Joe, with good friends, while listening to sweet tunes.”
    Nearly 60 people watched Nicholson along with 13 other performers.  However, on an average Tuesday there are only seven performers, but the audiences are getting bigger. 
    “Some nights are better than others,” said Sullivan.  “There are many people who come every week.  Tony Ransom, a junior Art major, comes prepared to play drums almost every week.  I like it when groups collaborate.” 
     Nicholson contributed to a trend that Sullivan noticed.  Performers are beginning to be more creative with the instruments on stage.    In recent weeks, pianos, violins, mandolins, harmonicas and kazoos are being used.  Nicholson broke in the kazoo for her performance.
    “I’ve always had a kazoo,” said Nicholson.  “Some people give me crazy looks, but a lot of people play the guitar and not so many people play the kazoo.  It just seemed like a nice change of pace, plus I love the kazoo.”
    New instruments are beneficial to musicians and audience members alike.  Each week is different from the next.  New performers, new instruments, and new audience vary from week to week..
    “Aoustic Night is always filled with surprises,” said Fleetwood.  “Kelly busted in with a kazoo solo, which blew my mind.  I love hearing new instruments incorporated with the acoustic show.”
    Acoustic Night encompasses a variety of acts.  Blues, rock, folk, bluegrass, and originals are the primary performances, but the door will not be shut on anyone.  Everybody is welcomed. 
    “We get all kinds of acts,” said Sullivan.  “A variety of acts is what makes Acoustic Night entertaining. It’s a good venue to try new things and people are psyched to hear new music.”

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Feb 2 2007. Filed under Features. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry