Kate Young / Contributing Writer
Students gathered at Harry’s Coffeehouse for a well-needed study break on Feb. 21 at 8 p.m. There, they enjoyed a concert hosted by the Student Activities Council.
“I hope that Samford students will be able to take a break from their studies and enjoy some quality live music,” SAC Music Director Stephen DeFrancesco said.
It seemed there was a need for such an activity as students filled the space, with some dancing in the back.
EJ Castro on vocals and Jackson Wildes on keyboard engaged the audience in an energetic opening act. The denim-clad performers played songs ranging from pop tunes to their original song, “Can’t,” while students helped themselves to cookies and coffee.
Los Angeles-based musician Jake Scott was the night’s main act. Fans of Scott, like Samford freshman Anna Stevens and her sister, Molly, sat excitedly in the audience, anticipating the performance of their favorite songs. Molly drove four hours to attend the concert while other students confessed they had not heard Jake Scott’s music before. However, many seemed enthusiastic to experience something new.
Scott is a singer-songwriter known for releasing a new song every month. He performed his latest song titled “Lie” for the second time ever at Samford. An up-and-coming artist, he writes candid songs about his experience as a musician and a married man. One of his most popular songs is “Tuesdays,” a song about the realities of marriage. Scott explained throughout the concert that a handful of others are specifically about his wife, Rachel.
Scott performed several fan-favorite songs alongside Australian drummer, Nathan Higgins. Despite only being two performers, many students said their infectious energy filled Harry’s. Scott strives to be an engaging performer, and students recognized his personable attitude.
“He seemed like a cool guy as a person,” Samford student Griffin Schou said.
Scott even took a request from the crowd. He sang his song “Whole Lives,” a song from earlier in his music career, and let the audience chime in from time to time.
Other students were less attracted to the performer, but rather the general atmosphere of the event.
“You can chat while the music is going,” freshman Maddy Anderson said. “It’s like your own personal concert.”
The SAC will continue hosting Harry’s concerts throughout the semester. T-Shirts will be awarded to students who attend every Harry’s concert and take a selfie at each one.
