Choir’s student-run Cafe Samo served musical masterpieces
Ava Bourdeau, Opinion Editor
Samo’s music program is truly something special. No matter what instrument you play, directors import a great deal of musical knowledge onto their students, providing them with the tools to become great musicians. There are few better examples of this than Cafe Samo, which took place in Barnum hall on Feb. 4 and Feb. 5.
Cafe Samo is an entirely student-run show in which singers practice and audition a number, the best of which are chosen by student leaders to be part of the performance. This year, the production was headed by Eve Davidson (’22), Milla Moretti (’22) and Nerea Cabana (’22). After coming out of a year online, leading the performance presented unique challenges.
“Last year we basically didn’t have a Cafe Samo, so this year it felt like we were starting from scratch in a way,” Davidson said.
Student leaders make sure to select diverse acts, all of equally high quality. From amped up rock covers to soothing folk songs, Cafe Samo has something for everyone. This does, however, make Cafe Samo one of the choir’s longest performances, an important thing to keep in mind if you plan on attending future shows. Nevertheless, it is completely worth it. There is something special to be said about how wonderful it is to see students perform songs that mean something to them. Each number is dynamic and displays the unique sensibilities of the performer. Additionally, students are backed up by their instrumentalist peers, allowing musicians from other programs to showcase their talent and hard work as well. This passion and collaboration makes Cafe Samo one of the most electrifying showcases of the splendor of Samo’s performing arts. Katell Brady (’23) performed in Cafe Samo for the first time this year, and loved the experience of putting together her own number with her peers.
“I really love that we got to pick our own songs because people could really express themselves and make the songs their own, which definitely makes the show more interesting,” Brady said.
This year’s performance was different for reasons which aren’t hard to guess: COVID-19 precautions. Coming out of the recent Omicron surge has made everyone especially careful, including the music directors. In past years, Cafe Samo has taken place in the close quarters of the Humanities Center, providing a cabaret-esq environment. Because of the unique conditions of this school year, the event was held in Barnum Hall, a considerably larger venue. Additionally, guests were limited in order to account for proper social distancing procedures, with each group sitting two seats apart, and several rows of seats blocked off entirely.
“[Performing] felt very different in Barnum…the Humanities Center has an intimate speakeasy vibe which was one of my favorite parts of Cafe Samo, but Barnum allowed us to do new things like incorporate more instruments into each act,” Davidson said.
In spite of these drastic changes, the acoustics of Barnum Hall, as well as the talent of the tech team, ensured the music was as vibrant and clear as ever. While a degree of intimacy unique to Cafe Samo was lost, the special opportunity to allow students to share their hard work, as well as their favorite music, with audiences provided for a performance that was as moving as it was entertaining, something we all need in these uncertain times.
“We’re choir students, but we’re also artists, and Cafe Samo gives us the ability to express that,” Davidson said.
(Left to Right) Nerea Cabana (’22), Eve Davidson (’22) and Milla Moretti (’22), the student leaders of Cafe Samo, posing on the loading dock of Barnum an hour before Friday’s Cafe Samo show.