Life > April 17, 2008

By Kristen Guth | Staff writer

Listening intently, the audience waited in rapture for song lyrics to cascade over their ears in a pleasant wave of original composition early evening on April 11.

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Acoustic guitar strokes and quiet piano melodies reverberated in the voluminous space of Rhoda’s Cafe as sophomore Thomas Kozak strummed the first notes of the Friday Night Live performance series at ZSR Library.

Close to 50 people attended the inaugural performance to listen to Kozak’s indie-folk music. Kozak incorporated fellow musicians to help perform some songs with instruments that included acoustic guitar, mandolin, drums and piano, as well as vocal backups. In addition to his original compositions, Kozak performed other well known songs, such as “Falling” from the movie Once and a Johnny Cash cover.

“I like the acoustics in here and the crowd was really listening and polite,” Kozak said following his performance. “It was a larger crowd than I was expecting, which is good for the future of the program, but it also meant a lot to me as an artist.”

“I’ve never heard him sing before and this venue just fit so well,” sophomore Danika Sorensen said. “I would come to more of these.”

The space’s construction, namely the high ceiling and long hall, allows music to carry through its depth without echo, making its acoustics perfect for intimate performances. When rearranged, the tables and couch chairs used for studying convert easily to a casual sitting area, similar to a music lounge.

The relaxed atmosphere, enhanced with natural window lighting, encouraged the same response from the audience.

“Rhoda’s is easy to find and has enough space for the music without being overwhelming to listen to,” freshman Amelia Swan said. “It’s better than Shorty’s because when people play there, all of Benson gets rocked, especially the food court.” Audience members were appreciative and willing to be entertained at the conclusion of a week of classes.

Listeners trickled in and out during the concert. Although successful, more attention to the series from the outside of the library may alert people to a performance in the future. “I think it’s a good way to showcase different talent, and it’s early enough in the evening that it doesn’t conflict with other activities on a Friday night,” freshman Alex Hummel said.

Kozak’s music was engaging because of his narrative style. He provided a background story for each of his songs, even dedicating one about the Outer Banks beaches to Peter Romanov, organizer of the performance series.

“I am pleased with how well the performance was received,” said Romanov.

He mentioned that Wanda Brown, associate director of ZSR Library, is confident that the series will return in the fall semester as a regular event each month.