Candid image from Coffee House.
SABRINE DAOUD/THE QUADRANGLE
By Sabrine Daoud, Contributer
The vibrant atmosphere and inviting ambiance at Manhattan College’s Coffee House event has attracted students into a space where they can freely express themselves through the performing arts. Students have found a haven for self-expression, where the aromatic blend of music, comedy, poetry and more provides a platform founded on fostering community and connection.
Junior biochemistry major Matthew Regalado has hosted coffee house alongside Jill Tuthill since last semester and has seen a variety of attendees throughout his time running it.
“It’s been so fun to see different people,” Regalado said. “Sometimes being in a performing arts space all the time, you get used to seeing the same people, but Coffee House helps students step out of their comfort zone a little bit and be part of this whole family we got going on.”
Coffee House prides itself on maintaining its ability to allow students to unleash their true creativity and individuality, all while building a community. This designated performance space encourages collaboration and confidence among the students.
“I wasn’t into this sort of thing my freshman year, but it was a Coffee House with a special low-stakes environment that gave me the push I needed to step out and get into performing,” Regalado said. “I can’t get enough of it now.”
Sophomores Maggie Knapp and Edwin Guevara have been members of the Coffee House since last spring. This past Thursday, they performed together as a duo for the first time, singing while demonstrating their acoustic and electric guitar skills.
Knapp and Guevara have performed at past Coffee House events but are eager to try new things for future performances in upcoming events.
“I really liked Coffee House because I felt like it’s an environment for all students who enjoy music and want to perform to come together without judgment,” Knapp said. “With some of our performing arts groups, there are certain obligations and responsibilities, and here they’ve given us an opportunity to express ourselves creatively.”
One of Knapp’s favorite parts about Coffee House is seeing others share their talents.
“I love hearing people singing, especially people who you don’t really get the opportunity to hear sing all the time,” Knapp said. “This is the main avenue for students who are affiliated with performing arts or aren’t able to sing and it’s so it’s so cool to be like, ‘oh my gosh, I’ve never heard this person sing before and then they can sing,’ it blows your mind and it’s such a supportive environment.”
Coffee House is not just for performers. Seats at the event are often filled with students supporting their friends.
“[Coffee House] isn’t just music,” Guevara said. “Tonight, there was someone who did poetry, another doing acapella. It’s very laid back.”
Regalado uses his time at Coffee House to engage the crowd and have fun between performances.
“Yes, I like playing music and having fun but being able to interact with people, like with a crowd, is always fun,” Regalado said. “People have approached [Tuthill] and me multiple times and said, thank you for giving me a space to step out of my comfort zone.”
The Coffee House is eagerly seeking to host more events this semester. It is a great way to get involved and take part in MC campus life. Those interested should check out their Instagram @mccoffeehouse, for further information on upcoming dates and performances.