On April 8, the Student Activities Board (SAB) Coffeehouse series resurfaced for since the first time since pre-COVID.
The event, held near Starbucks in the University Center, was filled with warm lights, acoustic melodies, coffee and Starbucks treats, bringing students together for an evening centered on connection and community.
Headlining the night was Andy Tongren, best known as the frontman of the band Young Rising Sons, who delivered a stripped-down solo performance of raw, heartfelt storytelling.
Tongren, in an exclusive interview with The Setonian, described his current sound as a “hybrid of everything,” drawing inspiration from artists like Bob Dylan, John Prine, The Beetles and The Beach Boys, and modern influences like Noah Kahan and Michael Marcagi.
“As artists, we're influenced in kind of backwards ways sometimes where we don't even realize it,” Tongren said. “Maybe it doesn't peek through quite as much as some of the folky stuff in my solo work, I think there's little hints of it here and there.”
This unique blend was evident throughout the night, as each song, whether a cover or original, carried a sense of intimacy that resonated with the audience.
Tongron’s transition into solo work wasn’t initially planned. As a songwriter who collaborates across multiple projects, he began creating music that didn’t quite fit his band's sound. Rather than forcing those songs into a group identity, he leaned into their individuality.
“I wanted to get some more music out there, and that was sort of the catalyst behind starting the solo project, and I think the writing process differs between my solo stuff and the band,” Tongren said. “The band is the four of us together working to put together a piece that inherently feels like all four of us.”
Unlike the collaborative process of Young Rising Sons, his solo work allows for a more personal and stripped-down approach,resulting in music that is raw, reflective, and deeply authentic.
SAB live event coordinators Kelly Bossert and KK Madue said the return of Coffeehouse was both intentional and meaningful.
The planning process centered around finding an artist that matched student interest. Bossert and Madue, both sophomore biology majors, shared that Tongren was specifically chosen because his sound aligns with artists like Noah Kahan and Alex Warren, who don’t typically perform on college campuses.
Andy Tongren performing in the University Center near the Starbucks | Photo by Lianna Cruz | The Setonian
Bringing Tongren on campus also carried a sense of nostalgia, as Young Rising Sons previously performed at SHU’s Music Under the Stars in 2017.
“We were excited about the idea of bringing him back to campus with his solo project,” Bossert and Madue said. “He was so kind and willing to help us bring back Coffeehouse in such a grand way.”
While they didn’t have specific expectations for turnout, the committee anticipated a steady flow of students given the event’s location at the University Center Starbucks.
“We were so happy to see so many people show up—even if they were just there to enjoy the atmosphere while studying,” Bossert and Madue said.
The night’s success extended beyond the performance itself, as many students stayed after to meet Tongren and take photos.
Tongren expressed his appreciation for performing on college campuses, noting that it offers a unique opportunity to see student life up close and engage with audiences in a different way.
“It's really different than a normal setting, but I love it for all those reasons,” Tongren said. “We get to do things like this, and I get to peek behind the curtain of what you guys are up to, and how your daily lives work, and what gets you guys going.”
However, performing at campuses can sometimes present some setbacks.
“Smaller settings are actually more challenging,” he said. “But I love trying to win people over and get them engaged.”
That effort paid off. Throughout the performance, Tongren interacted with the crowd, encouraging participation and creating a relaxed, welcoming environment.
For many students, the event wasn’t just about the performance—it was about the atmosphere. Free coffee, a comfortable setting, and a live acoustic set created a space where students could unwind and connect.
Rachel Lam, a senior math major, appreciated Tongren’s energy and audience engagement, even though the genre isn’t her usual preference.
“I love and support the fact that small artists are being supported, and as a senior, it’s a great way for me to make the most of my time,” Lam said.
Ella Serringer, a sophomore biology major, summed up the night by comparing Tongren’s presence to Noah Kahan, noting his “raw, authentic vibe” and strong connection with the audience.
“SAB’s live event coordinators always manage to bring the best people here, so it makes me excited to see what they plan next,” Serringer said. “I was drawn in by the performer and the overall atmosphere and honestly, the yummy coffee didn’t hurt either.”
Shajee Jawadi, a senior finance major, described the performance as a great addition to campus life, while Omar Usmani, a senior finance major, said he loves the acoustic guitar and enjoyed Tongren’s acoustic style and crowd interaction.
“I happened to already be here and was attracted by the coffee stand, and it was a great moment for me to hang out with my friends and enjoy the moment,” Usmani said.
As SAB continues to bring events like Coffeehouse back to campus, students are eager for more nights like this, where music, community and a simple cup of coffee come together to create something memorable.
Kassandrah Blake is a writer for The Setonian’s Features section. She can be reached at kassandrah.blake@student.shu.edu.
