Between now and Dec. 11, when the fall semester officially comes to a close, Union will hold more than 10 musical performances including an orchestra, recitals, ensembles, open mics and the ongoing Barefoots Joe concert series.
These shows represent weeks of hard work and planning by Union’s Department of Music, guest artists and event coordinators. They also represent a part of the fabric of Union University culture — a culture shaped by people such as the students and professors who make these performances possible.
One of those students is Lucas Brogdon, a senior music theory major who serves as the Music Coordinator for Barefoots Joe. Because the artists who perform in the Barefoots concert series are often scheduled months ahead of time, Brogdon works diligently to ensure that the process, from booking to when the last chord is played, goes smoothly. As part of that role, he builds relationships and extends hospitality to the artists who play in the concert series.
Anytime there is a Barefoots show it is “one of my favorite nights of the year,” Brogdon said. “An artist comes in and we’ll load them, and we do soundcheck. We always provide dinner for them, and the team will just hang out, eat with them, chat with them.”
When he talks about seeing a show come to fruition and seeing people at Union turn out for it, Brogdon’s eyes light up. He cares about this, and he cares about seeing fellow students come out to support campus culture and art. So, what should students do?
“Broadly, I guess, just check the schedules. Make sure you know what’s going on. Because there’s a lot of cool opportunities,” Brogdon said.
Those opportunities aren’t just at Barefoots. Union’s Department of Music features a variety of student performances every year. But there may be a perception issue: it can be easy to think of orchestra or chamber music as stiff or formal. Alexander Lavan, a junior music major, wants to discourage that view.
“I think people generally assume that going to a symphony orchestra or choir concert is going to be boring, but I don’t find it that way at all,” he said. “These events are pretty chill. Like it’s not the 1600s anymore.”
Union has a slew of fun and exciting shows coming up. Find one you like, show up and show out.
Or as Lucas Brogdon says: “Yeah, I mean, just show up.”
The next Barefoots Joe concert is Friday, Sept. 10 at 8 p.m. featuring Gabrielle Grace and opening act Watson Mack.
Union University’s Department of Music will hold its Fall Choral Concert on Tuesday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m.
To learn more about Barefoots Joe concerts, visit: https://www.uu.edu/barefootsjoe/events
To learn more about Union University’s Department of Music, visit: https://www.uu.edu/dept/music/events/