For a small college, Smith supports a booming music scene. On Thursday nights once a month, the Goldstein Lounge in Smith's campus center vibrates with laid-back coffeehouse stylings served up by a mix of artists.
The Thursday-night series, dubbed Jittery's Live Coffeehouse, began six years ago when the college outfitted its new campus center with an ideal location for coffeehouse-style acts. The Goldstein Lounge is filled with couches, ottomans and armchairs, and even boasts a fireplace for that at-home kind of feeling. The intimacy of the atmosphere is intentional—this venue isn't for rock bands.
"It really is to give voice and give opportunity to the singer/songwriter," said Patrick Connelly, Assistant Director for Student Activities at Smith.
Most of the performers at Jittery's are solo acts. Although they may plug in a guitar or microphone, acoustic is generally the name of the game. Guests over the years include campus favorite Ellis, an indie solo artist based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Boston-based, bluesy folk singer Liz Longley.
Getting on the bill at Jittery's is no easy task. Acts are selected by a student committee that goes through up to 500 applications each semester. The artists they select range from the nationally recognized to performers who have never appeared in public before.
All Jittery's events are free and open to the public. Boston acoustic rock duo Cahill is next in line to grace the lounge at 10 p.m. on Oct. 29.
