by Katie Underwood | Feb 24, 2012 | News Slider
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...
by Clay Smith | Feb 20, 2012 | News Slider, Opinion
Daniel Johnston – you may not recognize his name, but you’ve probably heard his music. You may have even seen his “Hi How are you” frog, an iconic image of Austin, Texas. Please upgrade your browser Daniel Johnston started his artistic and musical career in his basement, but he’s influenced and been covered by acts such as Beck, Death Cab for Cutie, and Pearl Jam. So what brought this world-renowned songwriter to play a free concert in Alumni on Feb. 10? As it so happens, one of our own musical faculty, Dr. Sally Reed, is the sister of Daniel Johnston. Thanks to this connection, Lipscomb’s music department was able to put on one of its most unique and highly attended performances of the year, with a crowd of over 700. Johnston was glad to be able to perform in a venue where people of all ages were able to attend. In addition to his free concert, Johnston’s art will be featured in an exhibit in the Hughes Center through March 15. Johnston has suffered from schizophrenia and manic depression since his 20s, which has had a large effect on his music and art. His art is full of the angst that goes hand in hand with his ongoing mental battle. From vibrant cartoon images to the struggle between good and evil, it leaves the viewer yearning to learn more of the mystery. Some would call his pieces a trendy interpretation; others say it is a trip through his thought process, or a man searching for sanity. Even after a lifetime of albums and artwork, Johnston says he is...
by Crystal Davis | Feb 14, 2012 | News Slider
Kelsea Ballerini isn’t taking the advantages of living in Music City for granted. At the age of 13, Kelsea started writing songs. She always loved music, she said, and figuring out itwas her true passion was “just the cherry on top.” Kelsea, a freshman who originally grew up in Knoxville, decided to move to Nashville to pursue singing and songwriting. Kelsea, currently undecided on a major, is still figuring out what to study at Lipscomb. Though majoring in music is not out of the question, she’s not focused on studying it right now since she’s already successful on her own. Last year, Kelsea played a show with country artist Emily West, whose song with Keith Urban, “Blue Sky,” recently hit the top 10 list. Kelsea also had a song on hold for Beyonce’s new record, and a song she co-wrote was featured on Nickelodeon’s hit show “Victorious.” Her music is, by her own definition, “country bluesy poppy soul.” Kelsea is an open book. She tries to be “as genuine as I can about whatever it is that inspired me to write,” she said. Kelsea said she doesn’t feel the need to “sugar coat things or beat around the bush.” She said she thinks people value writing that shows who the artist truly is. Kelsea said she would love to write with Hillary Lindsey of Lady Antebellum. Kelly Clarkson, Bruno Mars and John Mayer top the list of who she would most love to sing with. Kelsea said her most memorable moment was meeting of a fan who absolutely adored her. At an airport in Chicago, a young girl approached her to get an autograph. At...
by Jessica Burke | Dec 19, 2011 | News Slider
It’s so close to campus, you could walk there; it’s the Bluebird Cafe. A restaurant that personifies Nashville through music. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., but knowing the reputation of the Bluebird, we arrived early. It was only 5:30, but the line was already snaking into the parking lot. Waiting patiently, making small talk with other music lovers, we eventually got to the front and just in time too! My two friends and I were among the last few people to squeeze through the door, into this tiny cafe, leaving many disappointed people still standing outside. Stepping in was a surprise. Pictures of famous artists littered the walls, all who had–at some point before their fame–played in this cafe. Tables and chairs were squeezed into the room almost beyond capacity. People nearly sat on top of each other. We were seated at a table with travelers from Oklahoma, ordered some delicious but expensive appetizers, and soaked up the atmosphere and the music. The night I went was song writers’ night. The show kicked off with a feature band, then had a list of musicians who performed three songs for the eager audience. The rule is “no covers,” meaning the artists only present their own music, which allows for some real gems in the mix. If you are looking for something to do in Nashville that’s different and an incredible amount of fun, this little cafe is a real treat. The only negative note I have is that, though there is no cover charge, there is a minimum $7 food or drink purchase. But in my opinion, it was completely...
by Whitney Jarreld | Dec 7, 2011 | News Slider
Following another year of tradition, Lipscomb hosted the annual Lighting of the Green. Hosted by Amy Grant, over five-thousand people attended to enjoy the music and festivities. Before the concert began, the merry marketplace provide some shopping oppurtunies, snacks and beverages and children were able to have their photo taken with Santa Clause. With Amy Grant hosting and performing along with other musicians, the whole night provided an entertaining concert. Other headliners were Gene Miller, Jenny Gill, Sterling Gittens, Miranda Doolittle, Point of Grace, Miranda McCaslin and Lipscomb’s own chorus. The night ended with the traditional singing of Silent Night and Mayor Dean pushing the button to light the Christmas...
