Whether it’s the hum of an acoustic guitar in UNM’s Atrium, or the bass of a band performing by the copper statues, UNM’s Noontime Concert Series provides a variety of performances Wednesdays at noon.
This week acoustic musician Bryce Hample, of local band Reighnbeau, will perform a solo set at the Atrium.
“It’s not very often that I have the opportunity to play for an hour,” Hample said. “I’ll be playing material that I don’t normally play, because I don’t have the time”
Run by UNM’s Student Special Events office, Noontime has showcased local talent for a decade. Promotions Director Alex Borowski, a music enthusiast and performer, approves musical groups that perform for Noontime. Looking for variety and talent, Borowski said the musicians he selects benefit from playing at a special venue.
“It gives local bands another place to play besides the standard coffee shop,” he said. “ … They get to play to like-minded people of similar age.”
Student Cullen Roth said Noontime exposes students to music genres.
“I think it’s dope,” Roth said.
Susan Brake, UNM Bands administrative assistant, said it cements local artists’ importance.
“The more chances people get to hear live music and see original art, the more it helps other organizations that do the same thing in the city and on campus,” Brake said.
But not everyone necessarily enjoys the free entertainment.
Student Loren Brooks said he doesn’t mind the shows so long as they aren’t intrusive.
“Some of them have been pretty cool. Some of them have been pretty boring, and some of them have been really annoying, like this guy who was blasting music the other day,” Brooks said. “If it’s a good thing, it’s free entertainment. You can sit down and listen to it. If it’s annoying, you get a headache.”
Student Brandon Pettit said he would enjoy Noontime more if the noise level was reduced.
“It is normally fine because it’s acoustic. Not people who have amps and say, ‘Look, we have really loud amps, and you can hear us all the way across campus.’” Pettit said. “No one appreciates that.”
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Hample said he can only hope students enjoy Wednesday’s performance.
“I think it’s a great thing for the students to have some live music during the day to relax, having an escape from the everyday school thing,” he said. “It’s a treat in the middle of the day.”
