The Kraft Theater was full and rocking on Friday night with the Fall Coffeehouse. Hosted by senior MC’s Augustus Lamb and Philip Bailey, the two-hour show showcased medieval music, Taylor Swift, and everything in between. The six formers stepped up to fill the big footsteps of last year’s talented seniors and the ORBIS-sponsored bake sale raised $240 for furniture for a seventeen-year-old private school in Pakistan that serves 181 low-income boys and girls.
The show kicked off with the Middle School Rock Band, playing Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers’ “Refugee.” First-time performer Bennett Rush ‘17 performed a beautiful pair of French sixteenth-century melodies on the lute, an instrument he picked up earlier this fall. He is Belmont Hill’s first lute player in recent memory, and most likely in history. “I’m Belmont Hill’s most-beloved lutenist,” he introduced himself in between songs. Pianist Sebastian Themelis debuted two soulful original songs with Augustus Lamb on the drums and later offered an inspiring, powerful interpretation of Eagles’ ballad “Desperado”. Singer Henry Vettel ‘18 lead the Upper School Rock Band on the Allman Brothers’ bluesy “Whipping Post”, featuring a masterful guitar solo from David Paine ‘18. After, Theo Why and Peter Knowlton brought Broadway to Belmont Hill with “The Confrontation” battle scene from Les Mis.
Midway through the show, MC’s Philip and Augustus introduced the Ukulele Club and then walked off stage, only to return immediately with ukes in hand to perform a riveting rendition of the Taylor Swift classic “You Belong With Me”.
Joined by Theo Why, the multi-talented Armin Thomas ‘17 sang “Con te partirò”, recognizable from the movie “Step Brothers,” reprising the well-loved Italian song after last year’s historic performance. Coffee House veterans Mr. Sherman and Dr. Melvoin made a celebrity duet appearance, harmonizing together on Chad and Jeremy and the Everly Brothers. After, Dr. Melvoin soloed on James Taylor’s “Blossom”. At the end of their set, Mr. Sherman brought out his students Marshall Knight, Cam Hall, and Mack Perry ‘17 for the public debut of “The Sherman Beatles Revival Band”, performing The Fab Four’s “Things We Said Today” with Dr. Melvoin.
The Bailey Brothers, Alex ‘14 and Philip, paired up for Neutral Milk Hotel’s “In The Aeroplane Over The Sea” and added an original verse to Arcade Fire’s “Windowsill”. Seamus Clair belted out a beautiful cover of Adele’s “Make You Feel My Love” with violin accompaniment by Andrew Kaneb ‘17 and his new hat; Andrew later debuted his vocal chops with Mack Perry for Zac Brown Band’s “Sweet Annie”. Crooner Marshall Knight teamed up with Scott Jackson for The Lumineers’ “Nobody Knows.”
The senior rock band closed the night with Dexy Midnight Runners’ rocking “Come On Eileen”. Band drummer Scott Jackson, guitarists Marshall Knight and Mack Perry, singer Seamus Clair, bassist Cam Hall, and violinist Andrew Kaneb look forward to returning for the Spring Coffee House for their last musical hurrah on the Hill. Thanks to Mr. Fiori for all the set-up and sound, and to family and friends for supporting the musicians.
