The halls of the Busch Student Center are alive with the sound of ambient dobro melodies, swinging jazz standards and rowdy New Orleans funk. Since November 2007, a variety of musical acts has entertained diners during lunchtime outside of Au Bon Pain. This unnamed series is part of BSC Building Manager Chris Grabau’s vision to build an energetic atmosphere in the BSC.
“The Student Center should be a lively place with musicians playing, a destination spot,” Grabau said. “We’re bringing in some of the best musicians in St. Louis.”
Greg Heaney, a senior in the College of Education and Public Service, manages the lunchtime concerts. Heaney, who earned a bachelor’s degree in music industry studies from Loyola University New Orleans, uses his contacts in and knowledge of the St. Louis music scene to bring leading local groups to Saint Louis University. Musical acts will perform on select Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.
“Last semester, we had [bands] in on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This semester, we’re going for Wednesdays and Fridays during the lunch rush,” Heaney said.
The bands, all from the St. Louis metro area, represent a variety of musical genres.
The first group to play in the BSC during lunch was the Eirik Cheverud Quartet, which includes Eirik Cheverud on tenor saxophone, Mikey Wehling on guitar, Bob Debou on bass and Joe Meyer on drums. The quartet specializes in jazz standards inspired by Miles Davis and John Coltrane.
“They have great chemistry,” Grabau said of the quartet.
Heaney agreed, and said “They have the best working rhythm section in St. Louis.”
The Eirik Cheverud Quartet played a second gig in the BSC on Feb. 1, and will perform again on Wednesday, Feb. 27. The quartet injected extra inventiveness into its SLU performances.
“We were able to try out new and really difficult tunes that we wouldn’t normally be able to play on a gig,” Cheverud said. “We found that we were getting the best response out of tunes like that, when we were really stretching ourselves.”
Diners outside of ABP were treated to special performances on Mardi Gras and Valentine’s Day.
On Feb. 5, New Orleans-style dance band Gumbohead rocked the center with zydeco, blues, jazz, funk and brass band music. ABP participated in the celebration by serving free king cake, selling New Orleans red beans and rice and decorating the restaurant.
On Feb. 14, guitarist Larry Bolles strummed classical and folk tunes, as well as a polished version of Tom Turpin’s “St. Louis Rag.”
Professional guitarist Frank Heyer will perform today on six- and seven-string guitars, as well as on eastern instruments, such as the Dobro.
“He specializes in original pieces as well as improvisation, so you never know what to expect,” said Heaney.
On March 12 and 14, students will hearken to traditional Irish music from celebrated St. Louis fiddler Kevin Buckley.
“Especially around St. Patrick’s Day, people hear drinking songs and the commercialized aspect of Irish heritage,” Buckley said. “We’ll be playing traditional Irish music, the authentic stuff.”
Entertainment in the BSC may expand to include non-musical performances. In the future, Heaney plans to book an instructor to tutor students in the art of juggling. Grabau emphasizes the availability of the BSC for student expression, suggesting poetry readings and a capella group performances as possibilities for student involvement.
“This space should be a stage for students,” he said. “If somebody wants to come play, there’s an open invitation. This is [the students’] place.”
Grabau requested that student performers contact him at 977-7054 or at [email protected] to set up a performance. Grabau’s office is located in room 206 of the BSC. Heaney can be reached at [email protected].
Midday entertainment in the BSC will run through the Spring 2008 semester. Grabau and Heaney plan to continue the program into the 2008-2009 academic year.
