Bathed in the rainbow glow of the Christmas lights illuminating the first floor lounge of Shipstad Hall, a crowd of students sat on couches and pressed against walls, eagerly listening to biology major Arran Fagan and Seattle singer/songwriter Kris Orlowski. The performers’ free acoustic show Monday night proved the perfect study break.
Fagan opened the show with a few original pieces off the album “My Friend, My Friend” with his band Back in the States. His unassuming songs about life and longing elicited looks of puppy dog love from female and male audience members alike.
“Normally I play for people I don’t know so it’s easier, but I know all of you,” Fagan admitted at the end of his set. “Thank you for letting me subject myself to sweating through my shirt.”
Despite Fagan’s nervous admissions, his songs, raw in emotion and thoughtful in nature, told stories that proved wisdom much greater than his years.
Following Fagan was Orlowski, who returned to The Bluff after his outdoor concert at UP on March 28.
“I come without a dog and four band members this time,” Orlowski chuckled.
Physically reminiscent of Marcus Mumford, Orlowski’s learned confidence and comfort on the stage transitioned into his perfectly simple songs.
Both performers had an unforced, uncomplicated quality to their songs. With nothing but the small stage and encouraging nods of the students crowding the balcony, they delivered a relaxed show that helped calm down a very stressed me.
With approaching finals chaining me to my chair in the library, KDUP’s acoustic show was the next best alternative to Coachella.
A Monday night well spent? I’d say so.
