Summer Tunes

Considering yesterday’s 90 degree heat and abundant sunshine, it’s probably safe to say that summer has arrived. Monday also brought with it the start of the summer class session, meaning some students are finding themselves back in the classroom until early August. Fortunately for me, I’m on track to graduate next spring and will be able to spend my summer away from books, homework, papers, and group projects.

Campus also takes on a different feel during the summer—more people are hanging out and about, and the overall pace of things seems to slow down a little bit. It’s a nice change as compared to the hustle and bustle of the school year.

Throughout the next couple months, Northrop Memorial Auditorium will be hosting its annual "Summer at Northrop". Located at the far north end of the East Bank’s mall area, Northrop is the site of numerous concerts, dance competitions, commencements, and special events during the year. “Summer at Northrop” is a concert series that features musicians performing all different types of music—folk, reggae, blues, jazz, and everything in between. It’s held outdoors from noon to 1 pm on the front plaza, offering both students and staff the opportunity to catch some fresh tunes while enjoying lunch.

Yesterday, I had a chance to check out the “opening day” show, featuring Michael Hauser and Friends performing Spanish and flamenco music. Fast-paced and energetic, they certainly held the attention of the several hundred people in attendance. I particularly liked the guy playing the flute (take a look at the pictures below).

Aside from the show, my day had one rather large highlight—coming home after work and finding that one of my roommates had already turned on our air conditioning. College kids probably aren’t supposed to have such amenities as air conditioning, but after my experience last summer it’s a nice luxury. My previous house didn’t have air conditioning, and it was often hotter inside the house than it was outside (which is a slight problem, especially when it’s 90 degrees outside). Nothing is more refreshing than feeling like I’ve stepped through my front door and into a refrigerator.

Finally, with high school either finished or close to being finished, now is a great time to visit campus!

-- Matt

(click photos to enlarge)

I give the performance a thumbs-up.

Michael Hauser and his friends, one of whom plays a flute.

Catching the music from Northrop Auditorium's front steps.

Even the kids in front were grooving to the tunes.

Northrop Plaza, with the mall area in the background.