It was Friday afternoon and anyone looking for some fun only had to check out Poly’s Virtual Coffeehouse on May 8. Veteran host Austin Somers ‘20, seated before a blue concert stage background, welcomed students and faculty and thanked English teacher Sarah Whalen for making the Coffeehouse possible. 

Austin announced the first act—“My man, Cooper Finn-Beane ‘23,”—who sang, “Never Enough.” In the audience grid view, jazz hands waved enthusiastically and the number of chat messages soared with comments like “amazing” and “bravo.”

Nathan Darmon’s ‘21 beautiful classical piano piece prompted Nyla Welch ‘20 to comment, “I am going to miss hearing him in the halls [in Room 123]. When you pass the library, you hear him.”

Austin continued his excellent hosting, introducing Thalia Glyptis ‘21, who sang a Pink Floyd song. He changed his background to a beach, explaining he loves to relax at the beach and read poetry, a great segue to “one of my day one friends at Poly” Emily Weinstein ‘20, who recited three of her own poems. She credited her Creative Writing class this year as inspiration. From home, Robert Magnus ‘20, said “I miss you all” before singing David Bowie’s “Starman” a cappella. Lola Stephens ‘21 was next up, singing and playing her ukulele.

When Rebekah Cabrera ‘20 recited her original poems, classmates posted chat messages like “strong and beautiful.” Changing his background to an art studio, Austin introduced Visual Arts Department Chair Laura Coppola ‘95, who shared her artwork. “My first friend at Poly,” is how Austin described Lolita Mafoud ‘20 who played a classical piece on the piano. Lolita, who is headed to USC, said the quarantine “has been a cool way to look at repertoire I have built,” but lamented not being able to play with her longtime piano teacher. Jazz hands greeted Alexandra Fried ‘20, who recited original poetry. and Akil Foster ‘20 has many great fans of his singing, judging by the very positive chat comments.

Music teacher Maddy Wyatt, who leads A Cappella, may have stolen the show. She strummed her guitar and sang original songs. Nyla Welch posted, “Love my talented teachers” and Emily Weinstein, a member of A Cappella, commented, “Please Ms Wyatt, never stop singing!”

Austin thanked everyone for coming before introducing Molly O’Connor, Class of 2020 vice president and well-known Poly performing arts thespian and stage manager. In her straightforward style, Molly presented a monologue on the current quarantine where “everything is scary” except for “when you’re inside, you’re okay.” She echoed many of us in being “thankful for all those who are outside” keeping us all safe.

Music teacher Maddy Wyatt, who leads A Cappella, may have stolen the show. She strummed her guitar and sang original songs. Nyla Welch posted, “Love my talented teachers” and Emily Weinstein, a member of A Cappella, commented, “Please Ms Wyatt, never stop singing!”

Austin thanked everyone for coming before introducing Molly O’Connor, Class of 2020 vice president and well-known Poly performing arts thespian and stage manager. In her straightforward style, Molly presented a monologue on the current quarantine where “everything is scary” except for “when you’re inside, you’re okay.” She echoed many of us in being “thankful for all those who are outside” keeping us all safe.

“Coffee House has definitely been something special to us since last year when Ms. Whalen brought it to life,” said Austin the next day. “With many of my classmates feeling that this pandemic has stripped our class of so many senior year events we all looked forward to, we were excited for this Virtual Coffeehouse, not only because of how much fun we knew it would be, but also because it was one of those last traditions we could hold on to. There was definitely some initial worry on how it would go considering so much can go wrong on any Zoom call, but last night was no disappointment! All the acts were amazing, people were engaging like crazy in the chat section, and I would say it was the highlight of these last few crazy months for me for sure.”

Afterward, Sarah Whalen said, “Virtual Coffeehouse Live was way less challenging to pull off than I originally thought it would be—we wound up all in a Zoom conference, and everyone was great about muting themselves and applauding using sign language. Performers were ready to go, and Austin, who runs the show, was perfect. He kept everyone engaged and took care of upcoming performers. The chat was filled with so much love from students and teachers, and I think it managed to capture the supportive, loving environment that makes non-virtual Coffeehouse such a joyful place to be. We had 85 people there, and I found myself overwhelmed at times by all of the faces–Virtual Poly allows me to see my students, but not students I’ve had in the past or students I’ve gotten to know through other avenues–getting a chance to see everyone enjoying music or listening to poetry simultaneously was more beautiful than I could have ever anticipated. I think a lot of us realized how much we needed that connection. It was humbling and humanizing. I’m so grateful for everyone who showed up, and all of the students and faculty who contributed their work.”