The free Friday Night Music series kicks off at 7 p.m. tonight at Espress Yourself Coffee House and Café with singer-songwriter Noah Earle.
“We feature a whole slew of different bands – everything from international music to bluegrass to rock and roll and acoustic guitar,” said Jason Camis, co-owner of Espress Yourself. “It really varies week to week.”
According to Earle’s biography on NoahEarle.com, he has dabbled in music ranging from country, gospel, blues, jazz and contemporary R&B to alternative rock and roll. Crystal Camis, co-owner of Espress Yourself, said Earle showed interest in playing in the music series last year.
“We were pretty much booked at that time, and he had expressed an interest in coming and playing so this fall we reconnected,” Crystal Camis said. “I don’t know a whole lot about him other than he seems like a great guy and is real passionate about what he does.”
Crystal Camis said the artists in the series appear from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday nights and do so for the opportunity to play in front of a live audience; they don’t get paid for making an appearance.
“There will be tip jars around so we do like to encourage people to leave a tip for them, but it’s certainly not expected,” she said.
Crystal Camis said Espress Yourself offers its full line of menu items during the performances so people can eat dinner or have a cup of coffee.
“It’s not expected that folks have to feel obligated to buy something to eat or drink when they come in,” Crystal Camis said. “We hope they partake in that because we think that’s part of enjoying the evening, but certainly, we don’t expect it.”
Baker University senior Cory Venable works at Espress Yourself and said Baker students have not taken advantage of the free entertainment.
“I’m not really noticing a heavy student population,” Venable said. “That is something we’re kind of aiming towards.”
Crystal Camis said she understands students are busy on Friday nights.
“It’s one of those things,” Crystal Camis said. “There are so many groups and organizations in schools that it’s hard to find a night where no one is doing anything else. Our tradition has been Friday night, ,and we hope people can come out before or after different events.”