Oakland University’s Student Program Board (SPB) hosted a coffee house-like environment for students on Jan. 15. The free coffee pop-up with live performers took place in the Winter Gardens and Zingerman’s of the Oakland Center.
“We just wanted to kind of relax our environment for everyone to take a little break in their week so they’re gonna be doing good,” Joe Dean, SPB treasurer, said. “The Winter Gardens area is where all the big windows are, which provides an environment where people can relax and listen to music, drink some coffee while they do their homework and hang out with friends.”
The indoor garden offered a perfect refuge from the cold winds of the afternoon. The gloomy day was turned into a cozy, soothing occasion for students to recharge and unwind before their classes as the Winter semester begins.
The event offered various roasts of coffee for students to pick up for free and enjoy by the fireplace. SPB also invited OU student musicians and singers to perform live music.
“We’ve done coffee houses in the past, but traditionally, we actually outsource the talent,” SPB president, Mathew Murray, said. “They’re amazing. All four of them were absolutely talented today, and frankly, it’s kind of cool. We’re scratching each other’s backs, you know?”
The students that performed were a mix of singers and musicians. Sarah Lawlis was a third-year Voice Performance major who has performed in various OU operas like “Hansel and Gretel” and “The Old Maid and the Thief.” Lawlis is also an award-winning singer; she won first place at the Michigan Regional National Association of Teachers of Singing competition.
Cayla Stus also performed at the event. Singer, songwriter, actor and stage director, Staus is completing her Bachelor’s in Musical Theater, specializing in genres like pop, jazz and musical theater. Her latest single, “Stairs,” was released last September, and more of her original music can be found on various streaming platforms.
Steven Doss Jr., an R&B and soul singer, also performed at the coffeehouse spotlight. Despite being a talented multi-instrumentalist, Doss has focused on piano since elementary school.
Guitarist and trombonist James Blue shared a passion for playing all sorts of instruments and genres. While still a hobby, Blue is pursuing a music career at OU.
“We usually go to a larger agency and then attempt to get a big name to come in,” Murray said. “We’ve decided this year we wanted to do Oakland University student performers. They get some cool, awesome time to perform, and we get some wonderful talent to listen to.”
Setting the stage in the winter gardens allowed for the music of OU performers to reach far and wide at the OC. Students sitting in neighboring booths or coffee tables were able to enjoy the lingering music of the event.
From noon to 2 p.m. the OC turned into an arts venue where students enjoyed the warmth of hot coffee and shared in their fellow Golden Grizzlies’ passion for music.
SPB has organized similar events in the past and mentioned they plan to do so more in the future.
“I think we’re also doing a waffle house that’s similar to this where everybody’s hanging out and getting food,” Dean said. “So, the waffle bar is probably the one that works as well.”
For more information on SPB, check out the events calendar. As for the immense talent that OU has to offer, check out the School of Music’s website.
