With a password and guest list required, getting into Howland House, part of the MSU Student Housing Cooperative, presented a challenge Tuesday evening. Those who had the connections to get past the doorman were greeted by a musical centerpiece: Frontier Ruckus.
The folk band, made up partially of MSU alumni, returned to its college roots to perform a secret show for Howland House, 415 M.A.C. Ave. Though the house doesn’t partake in parties often, the cooperative jumped on the opportunity to host the show.
MSU alumnus and Howland housemate Brendan LaCroix said cooperative members were excited to partake in an exclusive event with the band.
“Everyone in the house is freaking out; we’re so happy to be able to do this,” he said. “(Frontier Ruckus) wanted to do a secret show and offered a small get-together for us. We were all really excited to be able to do this because they are a big part of the East Lansing music scene.”
Maintaining secrecy was important for the success of the event. Each person was allotted just a few guests, all of whom were added to the guest list prior to the event.
Frontier Ruckus performs secret shows across the country. The band recently held a small backyard show in Baton Rouge, La.
Frontier Ruckus frontman Matthew Milia said the secret shows help keep shows intimate.
“It’s raw energy and raw intimacy. It feels more like experience than a performance,” he said. “Everyone is vibrating together. … It’s unadulterated enjoyment.”
Milia said performing near MSU allows for a connection with the audience not felt anywhere else in the country.
“Half of the imagery in the songs is literally about (the) MSU campus. (It’s) the actual physical location where I wrote most of the songs,” Milia said. “The people (in East Lansing) have a connection, and they relate to the geographical references; it’s just a very literal connection.”
Many housemates are hopeful to maintain future musical events in Howland House. Zoology junior Zoe Jackson said the cooperative is a great space for bands such as Frontier Ruckus to host small shows.
“I’m hoping we can have more bands come; I think we have a nice house that has a good venue for bands,” she said.“I’m hoping we can still do this in the future.”
Frontier Ruckus intends on continuing its tradition of secret shows, no matter where its musical success takes it.
Milia said maintaining secrecy will become more difficult, especially if the band gains a larger fan base.
“We like playing for people in every way possible,” he said. “It just keeps it interesting. We’ll just have to be more secretive about it, but that might become more difficult as well. That’s a problem I don’t mind having.”
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