One of the most popular performing arts events of the year at Hackley is Coffeehouse, especially the spring edition. Students get the opportunity to showcase music they have been working on throughout the year.
Hosts Angela Croce and Jimmy Mulosmani opened up with a little skit where Angela complained about being forced to come out and host again. Throughout the night, the hosts introduced different performances, told jokes, and led the audience in different games, including trivia and charades.
To start off the night, junior Cara Minello and the house band performed “Witches” by Alice Phoebe Lou. Cara is the “coffeehouse goddess” and plays an instrumental role in making sure the night runs smoothly.
Cara also ended the night alongside junior Sydney Morris and the house band. The house band consists of Ava Derby, Farah Goods, Jack Magidson, Pierce Roc-Sennett, and Zora Blu’ Teacher. They played “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac. Throughout the song, Cara and Sydney layered their voices to create a powerful sound. Their singing was also accompanied by a strong instrumental. Freshman Farah Goods specifically wowed the audience with her guitar riff midway through the performance, adding depth and allowing the band to perfectly flow together.
After Cara’s performance, Senior Linda Ohia-Enyia took the stage, singing “Freak the Freak Out” by Victoria Justice. The song was in reference to the popular show, Victorious, in which the main character, Victoria, began performing the song with a strange mask and outfit, which she then took off to reveal herself.
Linda recreated the popular show, beginning her song with a creepy clown mask and a rainbow wig, which she proceeded to rip off. After Linda’s reveal, she immediately won over the audience with her fun and positive stage presence. During her performance, she even jumped off the stage and sang while she interacted with the audience, creating an eccentric and entertaining performance.
Junior Lily Adamski and freshman Amity Doyle both accompanied themselves on their instruments. Lily performed “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac with her guitar. Amity performed “Riptide” by Vance Joy and accompanied herself on the ukulele. This was her first performance, and she definitely set a bar for her future performances.
Sophomore Ace Perez debuted his song “Alien,” which is about feeling like an outsider. Throughout the performance, he stunned the audience with his guitar skills, performing an impressive riff. The crowd joined Ace, clapping to the beat of his song, and he received a standing ovation from the crowd.
Seniors Rebecca Ingles and Ava Derby performed a duet of “Stranger” by Olivia Rodrigo. They were able to use each other’s voices to accentuate different parts of the song and create harmonies. Ava, as part of the house band, also accompanied many other performers on the guitar.
The frequent coffeehouse singer, senior Peter Roberts, finished his last coffeehouse by singing “Fire and Rain” by James Taylor. His powerful and emotional vocals stunned the audience and left an impressionable mark.
Senior Jack Magidson also stood out as an incredibly talented musician, whose impressive piano skills could perfect any song. Throughout the night Jack had performed numerous times alongside many different performers.
Seniors Asher Navas and Alex Booth, who were former co-stars in the “Percy Jackson” musical, were able to perform songs that encompassed their acting and musical theatre skills. Asher Navas sang “Out There” by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz. The song originates from the movie “The HunchBack of Notre-Dame” and perfectly nailed the passion of the song.
Alex Booth was also able to flawlessly execute his performance. He sang a comedic song, “I Believe” from the “Book of Mormon”. Throughout the performance, his expressions sold the narrative. At one point, he even brought Angela Croce on stage to perfectly complete his performance through his acting skills.
Senior Arri Bentsi-Addison Posey wowed the crowd with their impressive vocals as well. They sang “Lay Me Down” by Sam Smith for their last coffeehouse performance, a reference to their first coffeehouse, where they also performed a Sam Smith song. Arri’s skilled vocals inspired students to wave their flashlights in the air.
As a reminder to stay true to oneself, freshman Kubrick Croce sang “My Life” by Billy Joel alongside his sister, senior Angela Croce on the piano. Kubrick began his performance by dedicating it to anyone who had been told to change themselves or their interests, then wowed the audience with his heartwarming and inspiring vocals. The song received a standing ovation, admiring the powerful message and the spectacular performance.
Sophomores Ace Perez and Riya Monday left the crowd breathless with their duet of “Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. The song includes difficult high notes, which the duo nailed to perfection. The harmonies throughout the song were outstanding due to Ace’s deeper voice perfectly complementing Riya’s.
Freshman Farah Goods performed her original song “So Alive” alongside the house band. Her lead singing was accompanied by backup singers, Riya Monday and Finn Fisher. Together, their voices elevated the song and highlighted the hard work Farah put into it. Throughout the song, Farah stunned the audience with her sensational guitar skills, switching settings on her electric guitar to create different sounds and add depth to her performance.
The showcase of talent throughout the entire night was a true display of the talented musicians and artists Hackley has to offer. The night was not only a fun and unique experience, but also demonstrated a pivotal aspect of the Hackley community and talents.
