A Successful First Beatnik
By LYNN YUAN ’21
Saturday, September 22nd marked the first Beatnik of this academic year. Set inside Straus, the event provided a setlist packed full of spectacular performances from all classes and attracted an enthusiastic crowd.
The familiar set up –various microphone stands and instruments pre-setup on the stage, chairs arranged in rows for seating, and string lights dangling across the balcony railings– welcomed the students entering the building. Snacks and beverages were strewn about on the tables on each side of the doors, stacked in boxes which arrived shortly after the start of performances. Students packed the room, sitting on the balcony level or on the windowsills, chattering with their friends and waiting for the first performance to begin.
Shortly after seven thirty, loud cheers emerged from the audience as the heads of Magus Mabus Music, Olayeni Oladipo ’19 and Kat Stephan ’19, introduced the event. The lights dimmed as the Advanced Jazz Class started the night off with an upbeat piece featuring several impressive, improvised solos. This performance was followed by various solo and duet vocal pieces, the first being Anna Holtschlag ’20, who covered “Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey Rae. After Holtschlag, Charlie Volpe ’20 performed Ninja Sex Party’s “Danny Don’t You Know,” which featured bold lyrics that visibly amused the crowd. The set list continued, showcasing many performances of different styles and genres, ranging from acoustic, soft songs, to a lively rock performance. Some more highlights include Siramori Yattasaye ’19 and Katie Cabrera ’21, who performed of an original song and Jess Rush ’19, who bravely ventured into live vocals. The Spanish Exchange students also put up a very high energy performance in Spanish that drew considerable audience participation. In addition to vocal singing, several musicians demonstrated Milton students’ instrumental talent. An intense rendition of “Unravel” on the piano by Tim Fan ’21 blew the audience away, and the jazz group wowed the audience again with a second piece halfway through the show.
Although all the performances were undoubtedly amazing and original, what stood out the most about this Beatnik was the audience’s enthusiasm throughout the event. Each performer was welcomed with much cheering and anticipation, and left the stage accompanied by loud applause. When performers asked for audience participation, their requests were always received well by the majority. The crowd could also be seen waving phone flashlights in the air for various soloists, as if it were a concert. All these instances of participation helped to create a high energy, positive atmosphere for the event, most audience members leaving the event feeling satisfied by time well spent.
Overall, the first Beatnik of the year was a success, and it heralds the promise of many more successful Beatniks to come. Magus Mabus music has also created an Instagram page, @magusmabusmusic to showcase highlights of each Beatnik, for those students who could not attend the event. Keep a lookout for more Beatniks!