As the new school year begins and East Lansing awakens from its summer hibernation, noticeable changes can be seen.
Whether it’s the increase in traffic or the decrease in bank accounts, the new fall semester affects just about everything in East Lansing, including the local music scene.
As more students return to campus, they also return to area bars to see their favorite local bands as well as new talent.
“I’m really excited to get back to the bar scene,” human resources senior Angela Dault said.
“I decided to really make an effort to go out and see more live bands this year.”
She said what attracts her to live performances isn’t just the music but the atmosphere as well.
“It’s the energy of seeing them play,” Dault said. “I love the whole experience of seeing bands live.
“I saw Reverend Right Time and the First Cousins of Funk at (Rick’s American Cafe, 224 Abbott Road) last year and they just knocked me off my feet.”
Another band that frequents Rick’s is Under Construction, who played there Tuesday night and is playing at Harper’s Restaurant and Brewpub, 131 Albert Ave., on Thursday night.
“It’s a lot more exciting when the students are back,” drummer Eric Schuetzler said. “When you play a packed house at Rick’s and everyone’s having a good time, it’s a great atmosphere.
“The crowds are more enthusiastic.”
Schuetzler said it’s no coincidence that Under Construction’s next few shows are all in East Lansing.
“We focus on East Lansing because it’s a great student scene,” Schuetzler said. “We love the student fans, they’re the best.
“It’s always great to be back around friends.”
Political theory and constitutional democracy senior Haley Sinclair thinks the return of students is great for bands, but she doesn’t think everyone at the bar is there for the music.
“The school year is a good time for bands because they’re assured a big crowd,” Sinclair said. “But I think more students are more interested in hanging out at the bar than in seeing the bands.”
She said she thinks bigger outfits, such as Domestic Problems, are more likely to play in East Lansing during the school year, but the summer time is better for smaller bands.
“In the summer more people make an effort to go out and see a band,” Sinclair said.
“Smaller bands get the opportunity to play more.”
Sinclair said there were some advantages to playing during the school year, though.
“There may not be as many people at the bar to hear the music,” she said. “But bands also have the opportunity to be heard by people who wouldn’t normally see them.”
Scottie Busque agreed. He said it is one of the reasons the cafe is such a prime place for bands to perform.
“Rick’s has always benefited from the live music,” he said. “Bands benefit from the venue we provide.
“But we constantly try to put forth the best product possible.”
