Nights @ The Commons attracts a crowd its opening night
Students gather to listen to student band the Trailmixers at the first Nights @ The Commons.
Courtesy of Julia Emerson
After more than a year of waiting, the Student Leadership Council finally launched Nights @ The Commons, a monthly event that gives student bands an entire evening to perform in front of their peers.
Lee students are already loving the event—on its first night, there was a turnout of 130 students.
The performance by student band the Trailmixers was coupled coyly with a station for students to make their own trail mix. And ever caffeine-needy students received free coffee from Inman Street Coffee House, a gift that will keep giving every month.
Halle Camilleri, a senior public relations major and member of SLC, enjoyed the coffee-house atmosphere.
“This is the hipster thing Lee needs since Bonlife moved,” Camilleri said. “Good coffee. Good people vibes.”
While similar to Open Mic Night (also held at the Commons), Nights @ The Commons is its own event. Jessica Lee, a sophomore psychology major and member of SLC, explained the difference between the two.
“Unlike Open Mic Night, this event is more about enjoying one band, gathering and having fun,” Lee said.
And this isn't the first time that Nights @ The Commons has been around.
Where Lee's School of Religion is now located, a building called "the House" used to function neatly as a gathering place for clubs to meet, and "Nights at The House" were a regular thing. But the House was torn down and "Nights" came to an end.
That's why, for over a year, SLC has been trying to reinvigorate that specified time for student bands to perform.
Jonny Molina, rhythm guitarist for the Trailmixers and a sophomore cinema major, said he was anxious at first about the event.
“At one point we were nervous, but once we got going it was really great," Molina said. “It was a really big honor to be the first band to hit it off.”
The next Nights @ The Commons will take place Friday, Oct. 5 with entertainment by House of Blues winner, The 1%.
Mercedes Harris, a sophomore public relations major and member of SLC, beamed with excitement for future Nights @ The Commons events.
“I am already ready for next month’s,” Harris said.
And Will McCuistion, sophomore member of SLC, holds high hopes for the event.
“This year we are spearheading Nights @ The Commons to make sure it is something that will be continuous and sustainable,” McCuistion said.
