New talent spices up the brew at the Coffee House Series.

Tuesday, Jan. 17, Program Board put on the first Coffee House event of the winter semester.  The Coffee House is an event that brings in performers who range from playing acoustic sets while singing to performing stand-up comedy.

Vanguard photo |Sean Dudley

Kevin Ward, music education junior, plays guitar and sings at the Coffee House series. Ward said he liked the comfortable environment that the Coffee House series event had to offer and looks forward to playing at another event in the future.

Tuesday’s event brought performances from Will Wood, Joey Oliver, Justin O’Kelly, Tony Dier and newcomers Travis Toye and Kevin Ward.

Kevin Ward, music education junior, has experience playing at Coffee House style events back in his hometown and said Tuesday’s show was entertaining.

“I really enjoyed it,” Ward said. “The atmosphere was just really cool and mellow.”

Ward also said he was pleased with the turnout and the other performances.

“It was really chill,” Ward said. “The applause and congratulations everyone got was really cool.”

Ward plans to perform in more Coffee House events and hopes more people come to watch and play.

Longtime performer and Coffee House regular psychology junior Will Wood  gave some insight into what it’s like to play in front of a crowd.

“I’ve been doing this for quite a while and, luckily, it’s not as nerve-wracking as it used to be,” Wood said.

He also mentioned how the Coffee House audience helps ease some of the nerves that performers might have.

“Everyone in the audience is really accepting,” Wood said.

He said that new people on stage often brings new people into the crowd.

“It’s usually this core group that comes because a lot of people don’t know about the Coffee House,” Wood said. “People see signs but it’s just another poster on a window at SVSU.

“But every year, two or three new people show up and play and they bring new people into the audience,” he said.

With the new performers and some older players showing their talents, Wood thought this last Tuesday’s event was one of the best he’s played in.

“Everyone was really good,” Wood said. “I think Kevin Ward was really the standout with his performance and, of course, I think I was good as far as making a fool out of myself.”

Tony Cianciolo, education senior and member of Program Board, is in charge of running the Coffee House and encourages everyone to come and enjoy the show.

“It’s really great what the Program Board and Cardinal Radio do to help this thing go, and of course the people who perform are always great,” Cianciolo said.

Cianciolo wants to advertise the Coffee House more this semester, not only to bring more people into the audience but also to bring in more performers.

“Our turnout hasn’t been great, but I think it’s because people really only hear about this through word of mouth,” Cianciolo said. “I think with some more advertising, we can really get a full crowd here to enjoy the show.”

Cianciolo also brought up the Valentine’s Day Coffee House planned for Tuesday, Feb. 14, in the Marketplace at Doan.

“The Valentine’s Day show should be great,” Cianciolo said. “That way more people can come and enjoy the show as well as get coffee and hot chocolate.”