Musician Jariah Higgins performs at Monahan Plaza. Higgins played a mix of original music and requests from the audience at his performance Thursday, Nov. 5. (Song Johansen/TommieMedia)

 

After six weeks of Zoom concerts, students gathered Thursday, Nov. 5 for St. Thomas Activities and Recreation’s first ever Thursday Night Live outdoor concert, which featured singer-songwriter Jariah Higgins.

STAR intended to use the Monahan Plaza space to its advantage as COVID-19 restrictions have redefined the new normal. Before the outdoor concert, Scooter’s in the Anderson Student Center became the newest hangout for TNL virtual watch parties.

“We wanted to bring someone live in person, so with the number we wanted to get out here, outside made more sense,” Assistant Director of Campus Life and STAR adviser Erin Whipkey said. “We had great weather this week. It was kind of a perfect opportunity to do an outdoor event.”

Sophomore Kori Baer had grown accustomed to the virtual performances but looked forward to a live concert.

“I was so excited about the opportunity to listen to live music with my friends, even socially distanced. They’ve been on Zoom so far, which is still really exciting, but live is a new experience,” Baer said.

Students created a relaxing atmosphere by spreading out on blankets and swaying to the music. They respected the COVID-19 regulations by staying six feet apart and wearing masks. Attendees requested songs like Ed Sheeran’s “The A Team” and talked to Higgins between songs.

Junior and former STAR intern Brandon Schmidt enjoyed coming back to the event as an attendee.

“I enjoy listening to the music and hanging out with friends. Obviously, it’s different this year, but the artists are always really good,” Schmidt said.

First-year Alexis Mohlan saw the event as a surprising silver lining and called it “uplifting.”

“I was kind of having a bad day, and this is what I needed,” Mohlan said.

Higgins played guitar, putting a personal twist on songs by Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber and Micheal Jackson. He introduced his musical personality in an original song he wrote alongside his wife.

Higgins loved the relaxed energy and was humbled by the opportunity to play on campus.

“We’re making history,” Higgins said. “It was super chill. Everyone’s lounging, which is my type of vibe.”

Josie Morss can be reached at mors7544@stthomas.edu.