The Recital's Valentine's Day Open Mic Night Overflowed with Love
Article By Rhylee Hudson, University Union Editorial Board Managing Editor | Photo By Maya Lockwood
Cupid has released his bow, and it has landed at The Recital. The acoustic house show venue is run by Corey Chun and Maria Nido, two Syracuse seniors who are studying music business in the Bandier Program. Singles, couples, and the confused gathered at their house on Valentine's Day for a night of intimate music and love.
“We’re building this really special space for artists, and I feel a lot of gratitude from the creatives on that end,” says Maria Nido. Both Nido and Chun wanted to make people feel welcome by bringing in new and returning performers through the format of an open mic night.
The fact that the entire show is based around acoustic sets makes it more personal and tight-knit, almost like you have stumbled upon a hidden, exclusive concert in someone's living room. Walking into The Recital, people are squished on couches and sitting criss-cross applesauce on the floor, but it is apparent how happy everyone was to be in this fun, unique setting. Although it is mainly about the music, it is also a calmer social setting. “It’s not just a rowdy party. You get to actually talk to people,” Chun says. “You can stay after, and I think it’s just a really comfortable setting for anyone.”
All the performers were students who were cheered on by their classmates and friends, which took away that sense of intimidation that stops many performers from getting into the house show scene. There were fourteen performances that had songs ranging from an Imogen Heath-inspired cover to viral TikTok sounds like End of Beginning by Djo. Every musical taste was represented throughout the performances. It is refreshing, in an age of music superiority complexes, to celebrate every genre and type of music.
What really stood out to me was how comfortable artists were with being vulnerable with people they’d never met. When an artist admitted to feeling rusty and then, in the same breath, pulled off the most beautiful cover I’d ever heard, it felt electric.
In the end, The Recital isn't just a venue. It's a place for music lovers, a comfort space where connections are forged and memories are made. And on Valentine's Day, it was overflowing with love — in the music, in the air, and in the hearts of everyone lucky enough to be there.
The Recital also told The Universe that they have big plans for more shows outside of Syracuse. Keep an eye out for what they are working on by checking out their Instagram account, @therecital.syr. They also have another local show on the horizon in May, so it's not over for these two seniors just yet.
