This post was written by Hatchet Reporter Kendra Poole.
While GW’s music scene often takes a backseat to interest in politics or international affairs, WRGW’s first-ever student showcase this weekend proved that there is no shortage of talented musicians on campus.
Student musicians and listeners gathered in University Yard Sunday afternoon to celebrate WRGW’s 80th anniversary and kick off the radio station’s Octoberfest.
“[WRGW is] just trying to get as many people on campus as they can to come perform together, since there’s not really a venue for [student musicians],” said sophomore Alyssa Hart, who sang and played guitar and harmonica for the show.
Radio host and senior Greg Shapiro coordinated the event, hoping that it would promote both the station and student musicians.
“I figured [the showcase] would be a good time…as well as a good way to get kids out here to play music and see a different side of GW than you would normally see,” Shapiro said.
The scene was comfortably informal: spectators lounged on the lawn, enjoying free donuts and coffee, and performers prefaced their pieces with small, witty anecdotes about the song’s history.
Many students passing through the yard ended up staying as audience members. Sophomore Emily Ottinger said she enjoyed the “low-key environment,” commending the event as a “really great way for amateurs to show off their moves and play their music.”
Kevin Duncan, a junior, also joined the small crowd.
“Every Sunday I like to come out here and read the paper, and today I got a nice little present in the form of live music to watch,” he said.
Shapiro said it is important for WRGW to showcase student performers.
“The music scene here in the city is great, but I think on campus there’s a lot of room for improvement and growth. I think events like this should become more routine, and I’d like to put one of these on at least every semester.”
Performer Eshawn Rawlley, a senior, said he would like to see the showcase happen next year.
“More of this needs to happen. More people need to come out and support their fellow students,” he said. “There’s a lot of talent on this campus, and I feel if people came and supported it…the campus would be better off for it.”
