A cozy, small space, combined with incredible talent standing two feet in front of the audience brought artistry to life in an intimate way on Friday at Simona’s outdoor cafe in Colton House Hotel. UT students and community members experienced that intimacy at the Longhorn Singers’ semi-annual Coffeehouse concert.
Longhorn Singers, UT’s official show choir, perform multiple main stage concerts a year. Despite being well acquainted with the spotlight, members agree the Coffeehouse concerts, established two years ago, show audiences something new.
“We started this as an opportunity to get to hear everyone’s voices in a casual way,” said Aiden Madaffri, electrical and computer engineering and business senior, and Longhorn Singers president. “It’s very free, and that’s really nice for us to get that kind of environment. The audience gets to see a different side of us.”
Members said their enjoyment of the original shows led to it becoming an official performance.
“Everyone gets to shine in their own element,” said Anna Follin, an English senior who attended Friday’s concert.
Follin said she feels a connection to the performers because of the close proximity Simona’s venue provides. “I think the word that comes to mind is intimate,” said Follin.
Anna El-Assaad, public relations and psychology senior, joined Longhorn Singers as a sophomore and said as a performer, she relishes the change of scenery.
“There’s no elevated stage,” El-Assaad said. “Everyone’s at their little table … and we get to talk to each other … because we’re in a more intimate environment that allows us to be social, and encourage each other more and enjoy the music a little bit more.”
Madaffri said he appreciated having a moment away from the main stage to simply contribute to Simona’s vibe.
“It’s like you’re the ambiance, not the main thing,” Madaffri said. “It makes (the Coffeehouse concert) really relaxed and really personal.”
Madaffri said the Coffeehouse shows cultivate an elevated sense of community compared to typical Longhorn Singers shows.
“We get to connect with a different group of people … friends, families, people at UT in general will come to Coffeehouse, … and they’re always like, ‘Wow, this is so different!,’” Madaffri said. “You get to hear everyone in a different way, and I think people really enjoy that.”
From the auditorium stage to an outdoor venue, the structure of Coffeehouse puts emphasis on connection.
“At our big shows, we sing, we go home. The audience comes in and they leave,” Madaffri said.
“(At) this show, we get to talk to the audience … and learn about them.”
El-Assaad said musical appreciation radiates through the Coffeehouse atmosphere like nowhere else.
“Coffeehouse is one of those spaces that’s able to bring you back to your love of music,” El-Assaad said.
