Once a week, just after sunset, the Courtyard Cafe in the Hopkins Center undergoes a curious transformation. Lights dim, a stage is rustled up, and the utilitarian cafeteria becomes the scene of a little dinner music, all courtesy of the Student Activities Council's DV8 program.
DV8 features live music for Courtyard Cafe patrons every Wednesday evening from six to eight o'clock, at no cost. Normally one, but sometimes two acts are showcased.
The emphasis of this program is on student musicians, giving up-and-coming Dartmouth performers live playing experience, as well as the promotional exposure needed to move on to bigger, higher-paying gigs.
The audience, too, benefits from the opportunity to see their peers' quality concerts for free (particularly important when one considers the average student's tight budget).
A variety of musical genres are represented, including folk, jazz, and pop.
Last night's DV8 show starred trumpetist Laura Iwan '93, with synthesized piano accompaniment. Playing traditional standards, especially jazz-blues numbers, Iwan gave a solid performance overall. Although at times a little stiff, Iwan proved to be a competent soloist with a good sense of dynamics. The crowd was large, but largely unresponsive, in spite of Iwan's performance: DV8 is mainly dinner music, after all.
The dining atmosphere is quite pleasant, at least by cafeteria standards. This is chiefly due to the excellent sound the staff is able to achieve. Though small, the audio setup is professional, being under the care of a trained sound man. Would-be-DV8-performers will be glad to know that a mixing board, ample PA, and monitors sufficient for most musical styles are provided.
For those who enjoy a fine musical background to a romantic dinner conversation, the volume is kept to a tolerable level.
