Six student and alumni acts performed original music at Sweater Weather, a singer-songwriter showcase that gave students in Columbia’s event management program experience producing a live show.
Sweater Weather, a student-produced singer-songwriter showcase held Thursday, Oct. 15, at the Haus, gave students the opportunity to perform their original music before an audience of about 50, while others gained hands-on experience organizing a live event.
The free, fall-themed event on Thursday, Oct. 15, featured performances by students and alumni.
The showcase was organized through the cross-listed “Venue Management: Practicum” and “Club Management: Practicum” course in the School of Business and Entrepreneurship, which is producing four live shows throughout the semester. It is taught by Associate Professor Joseph Bogdan.
Elaina Fletcher, a senior arts management major and event manager for Sweater Weather, said she wanted to create an event that would bring Columbia students together while providing a platform for students and alumni musicians.
“I wanted to do something that would really connect with Columbia students and be able to feature those students and alumni,” Fletcher said.
Unlike other showcases, Fletcher said the event was organized almost entirely by students, with limited guidance from their instructors. Students were divided into teams responsible for different aspects of the production, including booking performers.
“Not only is it supporting student artists and alumni artists, but it’s also supporting student managers and business professionals,” Fletcher said.
For Aliejha Cullick, a senior music business major, the showcase offered an opportunity to bring more attention to folk-inspired music.
Cullick grew up in the Chicago area and attended a performing arts high school, where he studied choir. He later developed an interest in songwriting and taught himself several instruments, including piano, mandolin and banjo.
He released his four-song EP, “Amulet,” last year and has spent the past year and a half performing around Chicago.
Cullick said there are fewer opportunities for folk and country musicians to showcase their music in Chicago compared to artists performing hip-hop, indie rock and jazz.
“I felt that it was a great opportunity for me to be a part of that greater exposure of the genre that I have so much respect for,” Cullick said.
Beyond gaining exposure, Cullick said he hoped his music would encourage other students to explore their own creative abilities.
“I think my overall wish would just be to inspire others,” Cullick said.
For Kass de la Torre, a senior Illustration major who attended the showcase after hearing about it from a friend, events like Sweater Weather can help student musicians reach audiences beyond Columbia.
“I think Columbia does a good job of bringing in people from outside the school, and that gives student artists a chance to be seen by people who might not otherwise hear their music,” de la Torre said.
De la Torre also appreciated the atmosphere of the showcase, describing the dim lighting, decorations and acoustic performances as creating a cozy environment similar to a small music venue.
Johnathan Roggenkamp, a first year music production major and indie musician, said he attended the event to support fellow musicians and find inspiration in his own music.
“I’ve been to three events in this space, and this one especially, it feels very intimate. It feels very connected,” Roggenkamp said. “I think it’s lovely that people get to share that with their peers and their friends here.”
While performers gained an opportunity to share their music, Fletcher said students working behind the scenes faced their own learning experience.
Serving as a general manager pushed Fletcher outside her comfort zone, particularly when it came to coordinating communications among multiple teams of students with different schedules.
She said the experience helped the class build confidence as it prepares for its three remaining events.
The upcoming shows include a Halloween-themed after-party called Haus of Hex, connected to the upcoming drag show “Werk It, Witch!” on Thursday, Oct. 29, a variety show and an all-women lineup. Fletcher said the class hopes to hold some of the future events at Reggies, giving students experience working with an off-campus venue.
Fletcher said the practicum had not been offered for some time and hopes the support for Sweater Weather and future shows will demonstrate the importance of continuing the course.
“Having support from students would really help ensure that this is a course that continues to be offered because it really is a great experience,” Fletcher said.
Copy Edited by Mia Smith
