Fall is coming up fast, and if you are like most people, you might be focused on breaking out your favorite sweaters, buying all the pumpkin-flavored things in sight and perhaps even giving more than only a passing thought to your mid-term projects. Here at Northwestern, there’s another famous fall event. As usual, the men of Hospers Hall are putting on Coffeehouse, and everyone on campus is invited.
Coffeehouse will be held on Friday, Oct. 18, with the art museum and coffee kicking off at 7 p.m. Performances will follow at 8 p.m.
Coffeehouse will feature various acts performed by Hospers men, an art museum in the basement computer lab and TownSquare coffee served by the men of Hospers. Coffeehouse gives the Hospers men an opportunity to show how serious they are about hospitality, one of the three pillars of Hospers Hall.
“The core of Coffeehouse is opening up our space to campus,” said Michael Simmelink, the resident director for Hospers Hall. “We are exemplifying hospitality in opening the doors and sharing coffee. I strive to make Coffeehouse an event that people remember for a long time.”
Many Hospers men participate in some way, shape or form, either through a musical or poetic act or through the display of artfully-crafted masterpieces in the art museum. There are also other behind-the-scenes ways they contribute, from lights and sound to coffee setup.
Junior Colin Jorde, resident assistant of first floor, shared his love for the event.
“Coffeehouse is a great event where people gather to hear and see the men of Hospers display their range of musical and artistic talent. I’m a big fan. I have performed in Coffeehouse every year of my college career. I have performed in different small groups musically and also created some art pieces,” Jorde said.
When asked why people around campus should come to Coffeehouse, Jorde said, “Support the local arts folks. This event is one of the most memorable on campus. You have no idea what to expect, but I guarantee you’ll tell stories in your 60’s about Hospers Coffeehouse 2019. Also, bring your mugs for coffee. We know you’ve been itching to show off your latest purchase.”
Memorable acts from past Coffeehouses include Ryan Altman reciting the lyrics to Smash Mouth’s “All Star” his freshman year, as well as the men of Hospers basement singing songs from the hit TV show “Parks and Recreation.”
Junior Schuyler Sterk said, “First of all, free coffee. Why turn that down? It’s a fun time to hang out and see people do things they’re talented at, but also see things that are just goofy.
“I think it’s really cool to see how the guys in Hospers use their gifts and talents to do stuff for the people they love on campus. It’s a good mix of serious and fun.”
Freshmen are also encouraged to participate in Coffeehouse. Sawyer Spain will perform in his inaugural year at NW.
“I am excited to be performing at Coffeehouse. Other than that, I’m not sure what to expect. I’m excited to learn more about it, too,” Spain said.
Coffeehouse provides another way for those who are new to Hospers to be immersed in the cultures of the dorm and NW as a whole.
