A few times a year, some of the Upper School’s most talented musicians have the opportunity to perform for their peers in an informal environment. Unlike other musical recitals and concerts, Coffeehouse has the largest student attendance. 

“I think the reason that Coffeehouse appeals to more Upper School students is that there is a greater variety of acts,” said sophomore Austin Shapiro. “If jazz music isn’t your thing, then students don’t feel as inclined to attend a jazz combos concert. I find it more interesting to listen to my peers perform music of their choice.”

Another reason students are drawn to coffeehouses is the informal feel. Seniors host the night, telling jokes and incorporating opportunities for audience engagement. 

Hosts Meredith and Angela started the night with a skit, where they came out and Meredith fell on the stage. Angela asked her why she fell, and Meredith replied, “I can’t help but fall for how amazing this night is gonna be!”

Throughout the night, the hosts played games with the audience and per coffeehouse tradition, received texts from audience members throughout the night with jokes to share. One of the games they played was “Spill Your Guts or Fill Your Guts.” In this game, the hosts called four audience members to join them on stage. The group sat in a circle as the hosts pulled a random question out of a hat to ask the participant whose turn it was. The participant could choose to answer the question or opt-out and eat one of the gross foods on stage, which varied from cream of celery soup, crickets, fiesta baby food with chicken and quinoa, and lemon juice. 

Four players were chosen: sophomore Harlo Navas and seniors Taylor Safriet, Arri Bentsi-Addison Posey, and Vivek Malik. Each player was asked a different question. When Harlo was asked what the dumbest excuse she’d given a teacher for a missed homework assignment was, she answered that she felt sick or had a stomach ache. 

Taylor went next and was asked to read the last text he sent or received, but since he didn’t have his phone, he had to eat one of the gross foods. The audience shouted which food they thought he should try, and it ended up being the honey mustard crickets. Although apprehensive at first, he tried the cricket and rated it a 7/10. 

Arri was asked who she thought would be most likely to survive a zombie apocalypse out of the people on stage, and Vivek was asked what the last thing he googled was and chose to opt out. He had to eat the cream of celery soup, which he spit out immediately.

One of the highlights of this coffeehouse was the amazing duet performances. The first was freshman Farah Goods and sophomore Riya Monday’s rendition of “Watch” by Billie Eilish. Riya and Farah’s voices complimented each other, and the audience was stunned by their ability to harmonize. 

Junior Nikhil Shah and senior Peter Roberts had two especially unique performances. Nikhil sang a Japanese song entitled “Darling” by Keina Suda. He received a lot of applause and laughter from the audience, and he captured everyone with his enthusiastic demeanor. 

Peter performed “Dos Oruguitas” by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the same song he performed at his first coffeehouse his freshman year. Host Angela spoke of Peter’s passion for music, saying how she enjoyed watching him explore this passion throughout his time in the Upper School.

Another song written by Lin-Manuel Miranda that was performed was “You’ll Be Back,” sung by senior Alex Booth. Dressed like the King of England, Alex’s bubbly personality shined through the song as he captured the entire audience who joined in and helped him finish out the rest of the song. Alex received a standing ovation and loud applause from his peers. 

One of the most exceptional performances of the night was by Cara Minello, who sang an original song entitled “Ballad of a Ribbon.” Cara also accompanied herself on the piano, showcasing exactly why she has the title of Coffeehouse Goddess and was a stage manager. Along with being a performer, Cara also helped with stage management throughout the night, making sure each performer had the right accommodations.

Sophomores Finn Fisher, Mai Makiel, Riya Monday and Ace Perez all had amazing performances, each highlighting their musical talents. Ace performed the song “Turn the Page” by Bob Seger and accompanied himself on guitar. The little accents of his performance starting with whistling and facial expressions led the audience to take out their phone flashlights to wave them back and forth. Riya sang “Iris” by the Goo-Goo Dolls, leaving everyone on the edge of their seats. Finn and Mai sang a duet to the song “Tree Among Shrubs” by Men I Trust, in which the harmony of their voices complimented each other. 

To end the night, the Hackley House Band performed the song “Creep” by Radiohead. Freshman Farah Goods, one of the most talented musicians of the night, sang while accompanying herself on the guitar. Sophomores Michael Baez and Pierce Roc-Sennett accompanied her on the keyboard and drums, and seniors Ava Derby and Zora Blu’ Teacher played the guitar and bass. The band’s performance showed the hard work and dedication they put in year-round. 

This new coffeehouse in Diller Hall sets the bar for future performances and builds anticipation for Spring.