The Pulp Literary Magazine hosted a coffeehouse event on Oct. 22 from 6:30 p.m to 9:30 p.m, where students were able to perform for their friends The event took place in the Commons, which was lined with tapestries behind the stage that was set up, and there were rows of tables and chairs for attendees to socialize and relax. Also, the courtyard next to the Commons was opened up, with lights hung and tables set up to serve coffee and other drinks. 

After one-and-a-half years of virtual learning, students were finally able to engage in performances and share their expressive musical or poetic talents in an in-person setting. Others were able to view such performances after not having the option to interact with others in-person as well. “The ability to hang out with people after quarantine was enjoyable, especially since it’s been so long since I’ve talked to people,” senior Nick Qiu said. 

Qiu was one of the performers at the event, playing a solo piano piece and participating in the Chromatics group’s cover of the song “High Hopes,” by Panic! At the Disco. Other acts included a singing performance by junior Nicole Morejon and a solo guitar performance by senior Justin Wang. “I thought the performances were beautiful. I could feel the passion and confidence of the people performing that made the performances so fun and personal,” senior Samantha Bolze said. 

The performances attracted applause and cheers of support from the audience. The mutual spirit that the audience and performers shared was a major highlight of the evening. “I was pretty anxious, but when I started performing it felt more casual and fun. I got into a groove,” Qiu said. 

For the seniors on the literary magazine staff who had taken on leadership roles recently, planning the event was a daunting task after not being in the school since sophomore year. “It was really fun, [but] it was stressful just because we didn’t have any prep[aration]. I was [in] leadership for the first time last year so I didn’t actually have an insight into the process,” senior and editor-in-chief of Pulp Isra Qadri said. 

The atmosphere of the event was conducive to socialization, as students were able to interact with each other over a beverage. Moreover, the fall ambience was immersive and made for an enjoyable backdrop. “I loved talking to people including the performers and my friends out in the courtyard while drinking hot chocolate,” Bolze said. 

In the end, the fall coffeehouse was a change of pace from the isolation of an online school year. and an exciting time for the artists and spectators alike. “I’m really grateful to administration for helping us work out all the details,” Qadri said.