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One Quick Miracle performs the opening number at the Towers dining hall Coffee House yesterday. Fronted by lead guitarist Tyler Mahard, the band played original compositions as part of the monthly event, which is planned by Towers Community Assistants.

Casual Thursday at Gelfenbein Commons

By: Megan Wittel

Posted: 9/19/08

The Coffee House at the Gelfenbein Commons (Towers dining hall) brought out an array of musical talent Thursday night, from creative original works to renditions of classic favorites.

"It's a very relaxed atmosphere," said Tyler Mahard, a 5th-semester environmental science major, and lead guitarist of the opening band One Quick Miracle, a student band that composes their own songs.

Relaxed described the environment perfectly. Andrew Arpin, a 5th-semester electrical engineering major, showcased his talent with both the acoustic guitar and harmonica simultaneously.

"I like that it's a small atmosphere. I've played at bigger places, and they're not as intimate," Arpin said. "The audience is made up of mostly musicians too, so they have a good appreciation and understanding, and there's constant feedback."

You didn't have to be a musician to appreciate the hard work put into the show, though.

"They're good! They're upbeat and entertaining," said Emily Elizabeth Trodson, a 1st-semester pathobiology major. "The environment is charming and welcoming and has a nice homey feel to it."

The Coffee House at Towers has been going on for three years as of this semester.

Towers community assistants Tom Johnson, a 7th-semester English and philosophy double major, along with Fernando Dutra, a 7th-semester political science and English double major, were the men behind the magic.

"It's actually the brainchild of Maxwell Gigle, a CA three years ago," Johnson said. "I performed at pretty much every show that first year, so it was kind of handed to me and Fernando this year."

The acts are not just limited to bands, either. Although this particular event was solely musical entertainment, the selection in the past has included everything from standup comedy to poetry.

Almost unanimously, however, one of the popular aspects of the Coffee House was the famous brownies.

"I'm only here for the brownies," joked Arpin before his performance.

"I fancy the brownies," Trodson added.

Ultimately, the Coffee House is a comfortable place where any student with a love of music could either perform or sit back and relax, and enjoy a treat.

The Towers Coffee House just about each month, on the third Thursday. There are no auditions, just a simple first-come, first- served basis via a Facebook group.

"When I first started out last year I was a little nervous," Arpin said. "I'm not looking to get a recording contract, this is just for fun."