Rhody’s own coffeehouse hosts the first concert of the semester with performances by student bands. PHOTO CREDIT: Leah Popovic
For their first concert of the semester, the University of Rhode Island’s 193 Degrees Coffeehouse brewed up a rowdy crowd with student-led bands Amanita and Late Night Trip.
The cafe, located on the second floor of the Memorial Union, organized the tight-knit concert after experiencing a lull of live music during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Amanita, a trio of drums, guitar and bass, describe their music genre as “math noise.” Formed in June, the band took the 193 Degrees stage for the very first time last Thursday, quite literally shaking the walls of the Memorial Union.
Their electric-rock sound had attendees on their feet, moshing and dancing for their continuous set of five tunes.
Electric guitarist Sebastian Toledo said that Amanita’s music is different from most bands on campus, and they have gained popularity since their formation.
“It’s hard to describe our music until you hear it,” Toledo said. “There’s no singing, but we create originals and have a lot of fun onstage, and so does the crowd.”
Amanita put on an impressive performance filled with sonic sound and intense punk drumming, ending in a standing ovation and calls for an encore.
Late Night Trip is a veteran band of the coffeehouse, having played their first ever live event at 193 Degrees three years ago. The all-female group performed a mix of covers and original songs, some coming from their latest EP entitled “Unfurnished.”
Five total band members make up Late Night Trip, including two guitarists and a singular bass player, pianist and drummer.
Bassist and vocalist Karla Gonzalez said that being back on the 193 Degrees stage was sentimental.
“It’s definitely nostalgic to be back,” Gonzalez said. “We’ll be playing some of our old songs, like ‘Auntie Orca,’ mixed with new stuff and covers.”
The crowd kept the momentum going throughout Late Night Trip’s set, filled with strong vocals and guitar solos. For an encore, students sang along to the popular single “Take Me Away” from the 2003 edition of “Freaky Friday.”
Typically, two open-mic events and two concerts are held monthly at the coffeehouse. Natalie Chasten, the 193 Degrees event coordinator, said that their schedule will become routine now that more bands are eager to perform.
“It’s really welcoming here,” Chasten said. “We have a really good atmosphere, and it’s good for the artists to have an audience.”
Chasten also said that the venue is a safe space for new artists and any students who want to enjoy music with their friends.
According to the coffeehouse staff, the initial turnout of this concert was smaller than usual, which they attributed to it being a newly-added event. 50 to 60 students made an appearance in support of the musicians throughout the evening.
There was no mandatory fee to enter the concert, however, donations were collected in support of the bands’ close friend looking to receive transition surgery. Coffee and tea were brewing behind the counter for patrons to enjoy, and the bands’ merchandise was also available for purchase.
Sam Deforte, a senior barista at the coffeehouse, encourages all URI students to attend future music events held at 193 Degrees.
“It’s a good way to get people to come out and meet people post-COVID,” Deforte said. “We just really like having people here, and we always bring good vibes.”