Just thinking about a coffeehouse creates images of low lighting, artsy crowds and snaps instead of applause. Rivers Meeting, and Bemidji State University (BSU) organization, has its own version to be held on Jan. 21 with a slightly a different atmosphere.
The coffeehouse is an event that invites students of BSU to share their poetry, creative prose and music. The last Coffeehouse was held in 2008, but this year’s Editor-in-Chief, Alyssa Hanson, is preparing to resurrect the somewhat forgotten tradition.
Older students may remember coffeehouses held at Brigid’s Cross. Hanson hopes holding the event on the campus in the Oak Hall second floor lounge, along with the lure of snacks, will generate a larger attendance. Rather than a series of coffeehouses as in the past, Hanson intends to hold only one.
“The purpose is to include more than just English majors,” said Hanson.
People often associate Rivers Meeting with that exact crowd, but the event is intended for everyone.
The event will begin at 6 p.m. with a student musician. After that, it will be up to the attendees to supply the entertainment. The atmosphere is intended to be casual and pressure-free. Feedback will not be expected on the performances to keep performers comfortable and willing to contribute to the evening.
Rivers Meeting is a long-standing organization at BSU. When it first began in the early nineties, its purpose was to hold coffeehouses. Over time, the organization has become more noted for its yearly publication, an anthology of work from BSU students. The anthology is titled after the group and this year the organization will be publishing its 19th edition.
The publication began with sheets of paper printed off computers and stapled together. These days it has a professional appearance with its own ISBN and copy at the Library of Congress.
The anthology is a collection of poetry, prose and art by BSU students in celebration of the campus’s creativity. The cover design is also student-created. The publication receives about fifty entries per year and the editors divide the works into the three categories.
Each editing board works their way through the pieces to select their favorites. After the anthology has been published, the last two years by BookMobile, the group holds a reception in April to showcase the work published in that year's anthology.
The reception has a similar aspect to coffeehouses in the reading, but it is much more structured and includes guest speakers, as well as the published contributors.
Rivers Meeting is looking forward to submissions for their publication, as well as performers at the coffeehouse. Aspiring musicians and writers are invited to attend the event along with anyone who just wishes to listen. The event will undoubtedly provide a night of talent and entertainment.
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