Coffeehouse's new venue opposed

Coffeehouse, the branch of SocComm responsible for bringing local and folk music talent to WPI, has long produced shows in Riley Commons. However, recent plans have been revealed to move Coffeehouse out of Riley Commons and into the new Campus Center, a move co-chairs Lucas Churchill and Brian Gilman oppose.

Coffeehouse has brought such acts as Leo Kottke, Ellis Paul, Sonic Explorers, and the Jim Show to WPI. They also host 'Open Mic Nights', where members of the WPI community are free to make up their own act. "The uniqueness of the room, given by its age and beauty," says Gilman, "and the fact that it is so secluded from the rest of campus provide an intimate experience that can't be replicated in any other building on campus." Indeed, many artists have commented on the closeness that Riley Commons provides to the audience, as well as the excellent acoustics.

Apparently, the plan stems from an arrangement made before Gilman and Churchill become chairs between the Director of the Campus Center, Jim McLaughlin, a special planning committee, and SocComm. "The representative [from SocComm] was not on the Coffeehouse committee," said Gilman, "and did not present to the campus center planners Coffeehouse's desire to keep Riley as a venue for shows."

Why is Coffeehouse moving? It's all part of the "Campus Centralization Plan." The Campus Center is meant to be a headquarters for all groups on campus, such as SGA, WWPI, Tech News, and, of course, SocComm. The other branches of the group, Pub, Arts, MSEC, Films, and Publicity, will be given offices in the new campus center. A special room has been designated for Coffeehouse performances.

However, the atmosphere of Riley Commons "can't be replicated in any other building on campus, and most likely not in a 'state of the art' campus center," asserts Gilman. Jim McLaughlin has expressed to the chairs that he would not be opposed to allowing Coffeehouse to function in both venues, but the decision will ultimately be made by the special planning committee, which will determine the fate of Riley Commons and other areas, like the Wedge. What are the possible outcomes? Riley Commons could be kept open as it is now, or closed to future shows.

The latter would be a tragedy, according to the chairs of Coffeehouse. "The environment [in Riley Commons] brings out the best in the musicians, which in turn provides a much better show for WPI students. It would be a shame to lose Riley Commons as a venue simply for the sake of centralizing student events. It's a place where you can get away from all the concerns of the world and just relax. Being able to unwind is very important for WPI students; an education at WPI is guaranteed to be stressful due to the fast pace of learning." To see the kind of atmosphere present in Riley Commons first hand, visit the Coffeehouse shows held every Tuesday.