Every other Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m., the relaxation space outside of the Innovative Learning Classroom Building, or ILCB, transforms into a coffee shop.
The space holds a free event called Coffeehouse, where student artists can perform in front of an audience as part of MSC Town Hall’s student performer concert series.
In recent weeks, the Coffeehouse has featured returning artists and new students looking for a community with whom to share their craft, according to communication senior and MSC Town Hall Vice President Jillian Weeks.
“We get original songs, covers — lots of different genres, sometimes groups, but usually solo artists,” Weeks said.
Country singer Lyle Lovett created the original version of Coffeehouse during his time as an A&M student. Originally called the Basement Committee, it began as an open-mic and poetry-reading organization that met in Rumors Deli, a restaurant located in the Memorial Student Center before the building was remodeled.
“At some point, they merged the Basement Committee with MSC Town Hall, and that became Coffeehouse,” Weeks said.
The group provides free coffee and snacks along with entertainment. Iced coffee is offered in warmer months.
“That’s what makes Coffeehouse unique,” Weeks said. “It’s not just artists, but it’s also a place for people to hang out.”
General engineering freshman Nathan Snyder experienced Coffeehouse for the first time on Oct. 3. He said he saw free music and free coffee, so he had to stop by.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for musicians who haven’t had much of a chance to get out there yet,” Snyder said. “It’s a great start for them.”
Animal science freshman Blessing Inyi said she had observed the event from a distance, but she didn’t stop by until Oct. 3.
“I think it’s really nice how they made a vibe of an actual coffeehouse,” Inyi said. “You’re listening to music, but you can also see other people talking and hanging out — and I just think it’s really cool that they made it available.”
A Linktree on MSC Town Hall’s Instagram page, @msctownhall, links to Coffeehouse’s interest form, where artists can apply with a video showcasing what they could offer.
“The purpose is to bring entertainment to Aggieland — which is our purpose as a committee as a whole,” Weeks said. “This event, in particular, gives a platform to smaller artists, gives them their start, a place to perform, and a place to show off what they do.”
