Student Performers Shine at Fall Coffeehouse

The Fall 2021 Coffeehouse, a highly anticipated and much-loved event,  took place under the Akin Common tent on Friday, October 15. The performers, ranging from freshmen to seniors, wowed the audience with their musical talent and stage presence. 

My favorite part of getting to perform was dealing with the nervousness beforehand because when you just get past the nerves and go out and perform and kill it, it makes the high from performing and the applause from the audience seem so much better

— Arri Posey

This Coffeehouse was especially anticipated as it is only the second Coffeehouse that has taken place in person since the pandemic began. In past years, Coffeehouses have taken place in the PAC theater, but when the pandemic started they took place online and eventually transitioned outdoors to Akin Common. 

“I would definitely say the atmosphere and the community because when I did it last year it wasn’t as exciting since you were just watching on a screen, but this past Coffeehouse, since it was live, there was a crowd and cheering and it was very uplifting and a great social event.” NJ Roc-Sennett ‘24 said about her favorite aspect of this Coffeehouse. The crowd was very supportive of the performers, cheering them on as they sang or played. 

Underclassmen, some of whom have never gotten to attend a Coffeehouse before, were also particularly excited for this event. 

“I’d never been to a coffeehouse before, so it was incredible to experience the support people had for their classmates, and witness the bravery and talent of the performers for the first time,” said Aran Basu ‘25, who has been at Hackley since sixth grade. 

Performers also love the Coffeehouse and the experience of sharing their talent with their classmates. 

“My favorite part of getting to perform was dealing with the nervousness beforehand because when you just get past the nerves and go out and perform and kill it, it makes the high from performing and the applause from the audience seem so much better,” Arri Posey ‘25 said about performing Washing Machine Heart by Mitzki with the Hackley House Band, which included Alexander Bileca ‘22, David Linnett ‘24, Jack Magidson ‘25, NJ Roc-Sennett ‘24, and Daniel Shola-Phillips ‘23.

Most agree this is a great community event for students and are looking forward to the next Coffeehouse.