On certain Thursday nights, rather than crowding into Naples for the usual beer and jukebox scene, a motley group of artists and audience members converge in the Calhoun Cabaret for a night of music and dancing that doesn't end in bad pizza and puke-stained shoes. Six Feet Under, started last semester by Adam Swire, CC '97, provides an opportunity for a melange of Yale musicians, dancers, and poets to perform in a low-key venue to an enthusiastic audience. By 10:30 or so, the Cabaret and Buttery are packed, with core groupies in front and millers in the back straining to see the action.
Currently headed by Noah Enelow, CC '99, and Darby Saxbe, JE '99, Six Feet Under strives to bring together Yale's broad spectrum of talent. "We're not trying to cater to a certain scene or crowd," Enelow noted. "We're trying to establish a universal thing, to create a place as inclusive as possible." Acts range from Yaledancers to good old rock 'n' roll.
Under the new leadership of Enelow and Saxbe-Swire is in London this semester- Six Feet Under retains its informal ambience, but with a few changes. "Last semester, there were seven or eight sets each night which played for 15 minutes, 20 to 25 minutes at the most. The problem was people wanted to perform for longer," Enelow explained. "So now we have fewer sets, and they're not so short."
Though Swire tended to feature perfomers with whom he was familiar, Enelow and Saxbe book a more eclectic mix. "Mostly people Adam knew played last semester, a lot of the same people every show-it was more of an open mic format," Saxbe remarked. "It was a lot of folk with a jazz set at the end." In booking Six Feet Under, Saxbe and Enelow have expanded on the artistic variety Swire initiated by changing one show's lineup from the next. Last week, Six Feet Under boasted a folk singer, a Klezmer band, Flamenco dancers, Trophy Wife, and the jazz quartet Walter Mondale (formerly the S. F. Jazz Quartet).
More rock-style bands have played this semester, in keeping with Saxbe's interest in "louder electric music." Trophy Wife, the floorpilers, and Who Invited Brandon are among Six Feet Under's recent additions, giving independent-style college rock a regular opportunity to play out on a campus that lacks live shows. "Getting shows is tough for bands," Enelow said. "Six Feet Under is basically out to create a scene. People can go and play, get recognition-it's a nice space where you can hear campus bands for free."
Another crucial addition to Six Feet Under is the participation of WYBC FM 94.3. The Cabaret does have a sound system, but it is makeshift at best, and WYBC provides the essential, good-quality PA and mixer required for buzz-free acoustics. Kevin Rothman, WYBC's station manager, and Josh Westlund, programming director, have been a "tremendous help," according to Enelow. "They come early to set up and stay late to clean up." In between acts, Rothman and Westlund deejay and give away free CDs, compliments of WYBC.
The fun doesn't stop there, kids; Enelow and Saxbe have more plans in the works. They aim to record future shows to air on WYBC and put out a "Best of Six Feet Under" compilation tape to make some extra cash. Enelow and Saxbe are hoping to see Six Feet Under broadcasted on your local cable station; negotiations are in process. And sometime after spring break, expect a Six Feet Under-sponsored evening extravaganza dedicated to showcasing Yale rock bands. "A loud show in a dining hall somewhere," Saxbe predicted.
The organizers of Six Feet Under stress the importance of diversity in the shows, laying down the artistic welcome mat to all Yale performers interested in appearing before their spotlight. As Saxbe commented, "What's neat about it is that it's an artistic community that is not narrow-the Klezmer band, Trophy Wife, and jazz groups can meet and find common points of interest."
Copyright 1995, The Yale Herald, Inc. All rights reserved.
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