Casual concerts held weekly on Kauke steps
Anna Duke
Staff Writer
Starting this semester, some students, looking for a break from homework and a taste of some classic American roots music, have been heading over to Kauke arch at 9 p.m. to listen to an informal bluegrass jam.
The leaders of the bluegrass group, Micah Motenko ’13 and Ben Strange ’13, were introduced to bluegrass music their freshman year by a friend who had started his own bluegrass group on campus.
When most of the group graduated, Motenko and Strange took it upon themselves to carry on the bluegrass group tradition by finding new members. Over the years, the group has added a wider range of instruments including an accordion and a melodica, a musical keyboard played by blowing air through a tube that connects to the keys.
The group, made up of mostly seniors, is looking for others to continue the bluegrass tradition, since this will be their last year on campus.
“We love it when people show up and play with us,” said Strange. “It makes our night.”
The group of musicians varies each week. For example, two weeks ago Chelsea Frey ’15 joined the group with her acoustic guitar.
“There are so many great musicians at the College of Wooster and it was nice to meet and play with some of them,” said Frey.
The group is casual, making it easy for anyone to join. They do not practice during the week, and there is no expectation of a regular weekly commitment. Instead, they consider their performance each Sunday to be their practice.
“We’re not together [as a band],” said Strange. “We just get together and jam.”
Motenko and Strange have been playing with the group since their freshman year, but this year they are trying to get a larger student following. Last weekend, many students covered the Kauke steps to watch, but there is room for many more.
“We’re always looking for new players,” said Strange. “We’re trying to recruit freshmen so [the bluegrass tradition] doesn’t die out.”
The group will continue to play on Sunday nights in the Kauke arch, weather permitting. Anyone is welcome to come and play or listen.