Lipscomb University is filled with students with poetic voices and passions to perform. And that’s what inspired the Student Government Association to establish the Coffee House series.
After students arrive at Lipscomb, they discover this unique “study break” opportunity. Every Thursday night starting at 10:30, a student, or a group, performs for an audience of fellow students. Their set lasts for about an hour, and the entertainers have the freedom to play original songs, covers or a combination of the two.
The student performers provide the entertainment and SGA provides the coffee. The event is held in the Starbucks on campus. During the hourlong performances, SGA picks up the tab for the students’ drinks. However, if they want to enjoy a free drink they are limited to a tall-sized coffee, hot chocolate or caramel apple spice.
The SGA created Coffee House for a number of different reasons. They wanted to provide a free outlet for students to express themselves, but also wanted to encourage on-campus community and support for fellow students.
Sophomore Brandon Carver has attended many of the events and will be performing with a friend later in the semester.
He with many other students, regularly attend Coffee House because of the inviting atmosphere.
“I go to Coffee House to support my fellow Lipscomb students,” he said. “I love the casual, easygoing atmosphere and listening to good music. You can’t refuse free coffee either.”
Zach Brantley, a junior at Lipscomb, performed at Coffee House recently with two other students, Lincoln Mick and Ethan Johnson. Brantley always has been involved in music, but Lipscomb has provided him with the opportunity to bring his talents to new levels.
“I performed a lot in high school, but had never performed on a more individual level until college,” he said. “I have always loved to perform. College has gotten me out of my comfort zone when it comes to performing solo or with a small group of friends.”
Brantley said he enjoyed the Coffee House opportunity because it allowed him to perform in a new setting.
“I wanted to perform at Coffee House because I had never done a performance on that level before, and I thought it would be really cool,” he said. “It is just a good way to have a good time with a bunch of buds.”
Coffee House is scheduled to continue every Thursday night throughout the semester, except a select few that fall on the holidays.