Behind the Scenes of Augustine

Last October, I and six other students attended a conference held by the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities (APCA). While we not only learned about ways to improve events on campus and promote activities, attendees were also able to listen to dozens of various entertainment acts. From acoustic duos to magicians, and slam poets to an incredible saxophonist, members of the conference were far from bored!!  

(Lindsay Ponder, Conner McMindes, and Amanda Palmgren before the performance)

While we were at the conference, Northwood University’s Campus Activities Board (CAB) booked several events, one of which made their appearance last Wednesday night for our first Coffeehouse event of the school year! Always a popular event, students come into the homey cedar porch located alongside the Student Activities Center to enjoy music, friends, and refreshments. Our musical selections will vary in genre, in order to appeal to everyone’s musical taste. Last year, Zane Williams performed a fun set list of country songs, including the popular Hurry Home, which he wrote (you may have heard this on the radio, sung by Jason Michael Carroll). Founder’s Day also featured the Josh Goode Band, a fun performing group that entertains audiences with not only great music, but hilarious lyrics.

(Some of our newest CAB members! Jessica Rodriquez, Natasha Norman, and Jicela Cuellar)

 The most recent Coffeehouse featured the band Augustine, an acoustic duo that sang both cover songs as well as original pieces. And let me just say – they were a hit! Whether it was a new rendition on the hit pop song Lollipop, or a soft, gentle remake of a John Mayer tune, these two definitely knew how to engage a crowd.

(Jordan Meredith and Louis Johnson from Augustine)

 As a member of CAB, one of my favorite things about hosting these events is our opportunity to interact with the performers before and after the event. At a large concert, we become overwhelmed with the feeling that we are in the presence of a celebrity…but by interacting with the artists on a smaller scale, you realize that they are real people. Most of the individuals we come across are living out their dream, but are not afraid to be very honest when it comes to discussing the real facts of their lifestyle – living out of a suitcase, traveling with their fellow band mates, or difficult agents. But, behind all the struggles that they endured to get to where they are, each artist has such an endearing passion for their job…almost to the point that it’s no longer a job, it’s their life – and they love it. 

 I want to have that. My mom always said, “Do something you love and you will never work a day in your life.” It’s people like Louis Johnson and Jordan Meredith from Augustine that continue to inspire me to refocus on my journey ahead!!

(The members of CAB with Augustine!)