The Legacy Park Showcase, hosted by CAB, kicked off with a performance by Micah Tewers on Oct. 9 at Starbucks.
Junior Jared Dryden grew up with Tewers in Findlay, Ohio. They met while participating in a community theater production of “A Christmas Carol.”
“With our home-school co-op we started hanging out together in high school,” Dryden said. “We were in a band together and I knew he was a really talented musician.”
Tewers released his first fullength album in December. He writes and records all of the instrumentation and vocals on his own but brings friends along to perform with him in concert. Drummer Jon Philby accompanied Tewers at the Showcase.
Tewers is currently a senior in high school in Ohio and plans to graduate in December.
“Micah really enjoyed his time in Searcy,” Dryden said. “He really had fun playing and thought there was a good turnout. He was also able to sell a few copies of his CD.”
During the show there was a ten minute span where CAB paid for coffee for anyone in attendance. The new Starbucks and having free live music will be a big draw for future shows, Dryden said.
The Showcase will feature both casual performances by students and more official, yet smaller bands, said junior Holly Bohnett, CAB director.
Smaller coffee shop venues allow student musicians to gain experience and meet new people.
“We intend to continue the streak of shows at Starbucks and develop that room on the south side to include a warm coffee shop feel for students to gather and enjoy good music,” Bohnett said. “I personally would love to see outdoor concerts on that grassy area in front of Starbucks once the weather gets warmer.”
In previous years, CAB hosted small concerts at Midnight Oil as a part of the Midnight Oil Porch Series. Starbucks now provides a second location on campus for students and local musicians to perform.
“The Legacy Park Showcase will not replace the Midnight Oil Porch Series by any means,” Bohnett said. “Both venues are similar in size and bring similar bands, so the more locations and opportunities for students to hear live music with friends while sipping coffee, the better.”
