News > April 3, 2008

By Maya Yette | Staff writer

Students can do more than just study in the library beginning April 11 with the first performance in “Friday Night Live at ZSR,” a free monthly performance series held in Rhoda’s Cafe in the Z. Smith Reynolds Library. Library Specialist Peter Romanov conceptualized and organized this event, the first of its kind.

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The ZSR Library will begin hosting a concert series April 11. Depending on student reactions to the event, the concert series may continue next year. (Bryce Stallings/Old Gold & Black)

It will be held between 6-7 p.m., featuring singing, dancing, stand-up comedy and short film presentations by student participants.

“I want people to look at the library as a place to looking forward to come to rather than dreading coming here because you know you have to finish a big paper or have to watch a film for class that you have absolutely no personal interest in,” Romanov said.

“I’m hoping that students will look at this free event as a stepping stone to having a little fun over the weekend,” Romanov said.

“You know, put them in a good mood and help them forget about academics for a little bit.”

Junior Thomas Kozak will perform at the inaugural event, singing original indie folk songs and playing the acoustic guitar.

Kozak will also be selling CDs of his work at the performance.

In the past Kozak has been the lead vocalist in bands from his home in Alabama.

These bands include indie band runingtopersia as well as folk rock band Red Dog Alley. His biggest influences are Iron & Wine and Josh Ritter.

“The ZSR concert series was (Romanov’s) idea for helping to get student music heard on campus,” Kozak said.

“There are so many talented student musicians and songwriters that simply don’t have a place to play. This gives them a needed leg up.”

“Thomas’ music is full of nostalgia and the characters in them have a pretty sensitive soul and seem to be yearning for something. His guitar playing ranges from quiet to energetic depending on the mood of the song,” Romanov said.

“His performance style is very laid back and welcoming. He likes to talk to the audience, but he is also very focused on his performance.”

“Attendance is crucial to the success of this event and whether or not students who are studying in the library consider it a welcome break or an annoyance,” Romanov said.

“Basically, if the students want this to be a monthly event then the library is more than willing to host the entertainment.”

Kozak believes that this event could be the beginning of a great monthly tradition at the university.

“This is the start of an incredibly good opportunity for student bands at Wake Forest. We have a beautiful school here, with numerous and tremendous opportunities in business and the arts and sciences, but one thing that other schools have that we are completely missing is a consistent opportunity for student bands or songwriters to perform,” Kozak said.

“For many musicians and songwriters, their music is their strongest and most important form of expression, and they need a chance to share it with their peers, hone their abilities, test their boundaries and practice performing in front of others.”

“Friday Night Live at ZSR” promises to bring some change to the serious atmosphere of the library at least once a month.

“Hopefully folks will look at the library as not only a place to read about the arts, but also a place to experience the arts,” Romanov said.

“I would love this kind of event because it would provide an outlet from a hectic work week and also promote the arts which doesn’t get as much attention on campus as it should,” junior Brittney Bogues said.

Although Romanov works with various students on a day to day basis, he doesn’t always get the opportunity to know them on a personal level.

“I’m looking forward to seeing some folks who I might not have suspected to have an artistic talent,” Romanov said.

“I’m also a big fan of any kind of live arts.”

Any students interested in performing at “Friday Night Live at ZSR” are asked to contact Romanov.