As performers waited for the lights to dim for Acoustic Kitchen, professor emeritus David Dolak learned the guitar part to “Space Oddity” so he could accompany student singer Danny Breaux on Tuesday night, Sept. 29.
For Danny Breaux, a first-year music production major, this was his first time performing with an acoustic setup. As electronic music continues to shape the music industry, students are also finding value in acoustic performance, which provides a foundation for music they later produce digitally.
“I want to get some stage experience and try something new,” Breaux said.
Acoustic Kitchen is a monthly open mic where students and faculty come together to play music. The event centers acoustic music, with acapella, guitar and banjo performances throughout the night.
It was founded 26 years ago by Dolak, a professor emeritus in the School of Communication and Culture, and now takes place once a month.
“There was a need, we felt, that the school had for a live, open-stage acoustic music event,” Dolak said.
Dolak said he created Acoustic Kitchen as a venue for students to develop their stagecraft.
“It’s not just about the music,” he said. “It’s about the ability to perform and to give a performance.”
Acoustic open mics are quieter compared to other open mics, creating a low-pressure environment of intimacy and closeness.
“I think it centers you a little bit,” said Kevin Henry, associate professor in the School of Fashion, who performed three original songs, two on guitar and one on banjo.
He started performing at Acoustic Kitchen about three years ago.
“COVID was an especially difficult time, so I kind of sought refuge here,” Henry said.
Naomi Hill-Caldwell, who goes by the stage name Naomi Calls, performed two original songs on Tuesday night, the first of four sessions this semester. She sang “In The Door” and “I Know You See It.” The second song is on her first mixtape called “Bloom,” which comes out on Oct. 12.
Hill-Caldwell, a sophomore performance and songwriting major, said she tells aspiring musicians to not be afraid to suck.
“Allowing yourself to suck and being perceived while sucking, that is a challenge that I think is worth overcoming,” Hill-Caldwell said.
Dolak said one of his favorite parts about Acoustic Kitchen is “seeing two students at the end who’ve just met each other, and then next month, they’re working up a combo.”
Acoustic Kitchen will take place again on Oct. 20 and occurs monthly. Doors open at 6 p.m. and music goes from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Haus at 623 S. Wabash Ave.
Copy edited by Venus Tapang
