Gund Commons (Honeybee)

Don't get me wrong, I've definitely sat out here playing songs before, but never at night. Last year, I'd walk by the outside of Gund Commons, looking at the lights and longing to sit down and sing. I used to turn the fairy lights in my dorm room on last year, while the rest of my friends were out at parties, and sing, so I guess that instinct makes sense. And the song I picked makes sense too.

Last year, I came back from a Valentine's day craft party, and found my room empty. I had been obsessed with the song "Honeybee" by the Steam Powered Giraffes around that time, and I don't know what compelled me, but I plugged the fairy lights on, laid down on the floor of my Norton dorm room, and played the song in my headphones, looking at the dimly lit ceiling and crying a little more than was necessary. I suppose the warm lights surrounding the outdoor area and the mildly chilly weekend night reminded me of that night last year, and it felt only fitting to play the song here.

This is another venue that I'd love to see concerts performed at. It's small, and wouldn't allow for too large of an audience, but that's part of the thrill of it. The fairy lights create a warm, inviting environment, without being too overwhelming or harsh. The heater (or whatever it is making that soft whirring noise) doesn't interrupt too much, and the music is still very well audible. It's perfect for an impromptu acoustic event, whether that be a group of friends playing a song together, or an effort by a student-led acapella group or band. However, I feel like that might affect the position it has as a sanctuary for solo artists. I've walked by here many a time to see someone playing guitar and singing to themselves. Though I think this space has the perfect atmosphere for a concert, maybe some spaces are best left to those who use them not to be heard, but just to have somewhere to play.