With its cozy couches and muted atmosphere, I was hesitant when I’d first heard from my friend—a newly hired barista—that beloved coffee shop Hallowed Grounds would be hosting a concert and open mic night, inspired by NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series. But I arrived on Friday night to a pleasant surprise: Hallowed’s normally slow vibe was clearly more amped than usual. In fact, it took quite a while for the emcee to quiet the room bustling with artsy music-enthusiasts and musicians alike, and finally begin the open mic.
Image via Yarra Elmasry, https://www.facebook.com/events/395311714473970/?active_tab=discussion
Donning a Harry Styles-esque black suit with a floral collared shirt, the first impromptu performer began with a curiously named acoustic number titled "Ketamine.” "You only do coke when it's free,” Kevin crooned to an enraptured audience, black painted nails strumming a guitar to a song that remind me of Elliot Smith—both in drug-laden content and in its ending crescendo.
Next up was pink-haired Katie, donning a forest-green velvet longsleeved shirt, light denim mom jeans, and statement faux tangerine earrings. Before the open mic, I’d complimented her on the earrings and (half-jokingly) asked if they were real. “Unfortunately, no,” she responded. “But I wouldn’t it be cool if they were?"
Image via Yarra Elmasry, https://www.facebook.com/events/395311714473970/?active_tab=discussion
She sang a cover of Leonard Cohen’s “One of Us Cannot Be Wrong,” in a vocal style that took on Cat Power’s raspy affect. The audience met her with scattered applause; it seemed not many in the room were fans of Leonard Cohen.
Easily the most memorable performance of the night, if one can even call it that, was the following act: a group of students put on an ambitious show, fusing performance art, music, and, one can only assume, improv. All using pseudonyms that facetiously challenged stereotypes of their own race, the group was led by a black student named Pure African, half-rapping and half-dancing to discordant background music composed of a cello, drums, and stone balls used as percussion. “What if instead of fighting our demons, our demons fought us,” Pure African announced, before (I kid you not) doing a no-hands back-flip. After ten minutes of disorienting music, nonsensical back-and-forth between Wai-Ling (the girl on cello) and Pure African, and uncomfortable laughter from the crowd, the group took their seats.
Image via Yarra Elmasry, https://www.facebook.com/events/395311714473970/?active_tab=discussion
I’d thought that after the improv fiasco, the Hallowed Grounds team would end the open mic then and there. Still, they persisted with one last sign-up. Singer Miles performed a Mac Demarco-esque acoustic song “On My Knees,” in a black and white stoner poncho, green track jacket, and vans. Then, came the real performers of the night.
Black Sam, a fourth-year up-and-coming rapper truly elevated the vibe of the night. While he’d started off in a more hushed tone, by his last song, “Woke Up With A Chain”, the entire room was on its feet and echoing the chorus. Dressed in a fashionable black and white outfit complete with basketball shoes, his flow was almost as smooth as his outfit. I mean, he used “seitan” in a cypher, which I think is a feat of talent in itself.
Image via Yarra Elmasry, https://www.facebook.com/events/395311714473970/?active_tab=discussion
The second scheduled performance of the night came from the well-dressed trio “White Ppl,” who, much to my relief, were not white. “It’s funny, we think it’s a funny name. You can laugh,” the apparent lead singer said in an attempt to assuage the discomfort of the gathered crowd, who met the band with scattered applause when they were first announced. Dressed in a semi-coordinating uniform of cuffed pants, hoodies, and dad caps, the band started off with an original titled "I Like The Way You Move,” which sounded much like Cosmo Pyke’s brand of nü indie and groovy RnB fusion.
From indie acoustic to rap, at a school known for its intense and competitive atmosphere, Double Shot served as a great reminder that artistic freedom, whether it be in reference to personal style, musicianship, or performance improv exercises, is alive and well at UChicago.
Be sure to show out to Hallowed Grounds’ Double Shot concert next month!
Image via Yarra Elmasry, https://www.facebook.com/events/395311714473970/?active_tab=discussion
