Poetry + Beverage
New York club – and all without leaving campus.
The transformation took place in the Skyroom on Saturday where students gathered to enjoy Poetry and a Beverage, which is a monthly event sponsored by the Student Activities Board and free to attend. It provides a place for musicians to play and students to mingle while playing board games and enjoying a drink. Crayons are also provided on the paper-covered tables for students to showcase their talent.
“It’s a laid-back environment,” Beth Butterworth, who has been in charge of the event for two years, said. “We have it set up so you can have an easy night, but still go out with your friends.”
Although many assume that Poetry and a Beverage is a night full of poetry readings, the name can be a little misleading. Butterworth said the focus really is on music and there aren’t many poems read. But she said the name is tradition and not likely to change. The beverage portion of the tradition sticks true to its name though, since students can choose from a number of flavors added to Sprite, with peach being a spoken favorite. Other night floats or cocoa may be available.
While sipping on a Sprite concoction, the dim-lighted room is filled with music. Poetry and a Beverage features a different band each month to play three half-hour sets. In between those sets, the mic is opened up to anyone in the room wanting to share their talents.
“We’re definitely here to give the spotlight to those students that wouldn’t normally have that opportunity [to play],” Butterworth said.
The event attracts approximately 400 students each month, Butterworth said, with many coming in a group or on dates. Some come to watch friends who are performing, while others just come to have a good night out.
“It’s relaxing and gets your mind off of school,” Jenny Powell, a sophomore majoring in history, said. “And I like that you can draw on the tables.”
Eric Williamson, an undeclared freshman, said Poetry and a Beverage has become a monthly outing that provides a great place to meet new people.
“You’ve got everything,” Williamson said. “Music, games, friends … it’s an all-around package for free!”
Kristie Madsen, a senior majoring in psychology, said she has come to the event a few times with the intent to widen her horizons.
“I appreciate the opportunity to try and convince myself that I’m artsy,” Madsen said.
Madsen said she attended this month to support the featured band, The Shafting Orcs. The band performed covers of Howie Day and other popular hits. They also showcased some of their own writing, which included two songs that contribute to their name.
John Reynolds, a member of the band, said the band was asked if they wanted to feature this month after they performed last month at open mic. He said he loved the opportunity to get to show his talent.
“No matter how good you are, it’s still an adrenaline rush,” Reynolds said. “And the chicks dig a guy in front of a mic.”
For people who are interested in performing at Poetry and a Beverage, Butterworth said that The Shafting Orcs experience is pretty typical of how feature bands are decided. She said performing at open mic is a good screening process.
“I figure the crowd will know best what they like and dislike,” Butterworth said.
Poetry and a Beverage has been a tradition for almost a decade, but Butterworth said nobody really knows how it got started. She said the event was canceled eight years ago, but was the number one issue on the ballot the next year.
“It’s here because the students like it and it’s what the students want,” Butterworth said.
For those who missed this month’s installment of Poetry and a Beverage, the next one will be held on Nov. 19 in the Skyroom.
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