Emerson’s annual Coffee House is fast approaching! (It’s TONIGHT!) For those unfamiliar, Coffee House is a talent show-like opportunity for staff and students to showcase something artistic, like singing or maybe telling jokes. This tradition has been going on for years, though the exact date of its origin isn’t known.
Mr. Ullman, our Coffee House host, says, “I’m not sure when our first one was, but what inspired it was what I’d experienced. There was no talent show here, and there should be; there was one in my high school and one in my college. It’s a way for people to perform without a huge commitment.”
This showcase of sorts is usually held in the cafeteria, with a sign reading “Coffee House” in glowing letters above the stage, which includes various instruments or props for the upcoming acts. Like a professional coffee house, food and drinks can be ordered and are served by volunteering students. This year, it takes place tonight, Thursday, December 4th at 7:00 PM.
Our staff is supportive and excited for our tradition, with Mr. Ponchak saying, “I attend every year, it’s often my favorite night of the year. I love that students have a choice in what they perform. I usually end up learning about a new song or being excited that a student knows an old song I love.”
Similarly, Ms. Pascual, who has performed in years prior, stated, “I like to do these things for Mr. Ullman out of loyalty and friendship, and I always like to promote courage. I do this to show my students I’m down to put myself out there and I’m not all talk.”
Staff performances are common and always appreciated at our Coffee House, like Mr. Deo’s infamous poetry readings or Ms. Luttrell’s awesome vocals.
Of course, there are many great things about Coffee House. When asked his favorite, Ullman said, “My favorite thing is when someone does something I wasn’t prepared for. Someone performs something and they’re surprisingly good at what they do, maybe someone I didn’t know could sing or tell jokes.”
Audrey Riquelme, a senior who has been a part of this since her freshman year, said, “My favorite thing about performing at Coffee House is seeing other acts, watching the performances, and meeting new people in school you don’t usually see performing in the choir or play. It’s a great community and opportunity to see other students and even teachers you normally wouldn’t see perform.”
Another performer, Mia Woodward, stated, “I performed at Coffee House for the first time last year and I absolutely love it! I love being able to perform the songs that I love and I always look forward to seeing my friends perform their favorite songs!”
All in all, Coffee House is a great opportunity to perform or just a fun event to attend. Be sure to come and support all who are performing tonight!
