On February 25, sophomore Mariah Houston performed her poem at the very first Coffee House Jams. Houston was among 15 other students and staff who showcased their artistic talents at the event.

The show was described as having a very comfortable environment. Students were less nervous to perform there than at the other opportunities that Free State has to offer.

“I think it was a lot more laid back and a lot less nerve wracking,” Houston said. “It wasn’t too many people, where it was an overwhelming amount, I wasn’t nervous. It was just a bunch of people I knew.”

Student Council thought of the idea for Coffee House Jams during first semester, but did not find the time to do it until second semester. Sophomore Morgan McReynolds was the head of the Coffee House Jams committee and is excited about how well the first production went.

“I think the audience and the performers really supported each other,” McReynolds said. “Of course you’re going to be scared when you get up to (perform), but I think that the audience was so supportive and so excited to be there that it was just like buzz.”

Student Council worked hard to get performers for the event. They created sign up sheets for students who were interested and also asked the Forensics Squad and Poetry Team to participate.

Student Council wanted to create a free and comfortable opportunity for students whose interests lie outside of the traditional high school “square.” Coffee House Jams provided an opportunity for students who are creative but want a more intimate environment to showcase their work.

Art teacher Rachel Downs-Blair performed her own poem at the event, believing it was a good way for students to show their creative side.

“It benefits (the student body) to get a glimpse into what the creative people do here,” Downs-Blair said. “It made a statement that it’s important to hear creative people. It makes a statement that we care about creative people. So I think it was really successful.”

According to McReynolds, Student Council plans on hosting a Coffee House Jams once every quarter. Students can get involved by signing up near the date of the next Coffee House Jams. It is also free to attend and food and drinks are provided.