10.05.15 Vol. 31 #4
Vol. 30 #4 10.5.15
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AS Outdoor Center kayaks ready to be taken out for a sunset paddle on Bellingham Bay. Photo by Trevor Grimm // AS Review Viking Union 411 516 High St. Bellingham, WA 98225 Phone: 360.650.6126 Fax: 360.650.6507 Email: as.review@wwu.edu as.wwu.edu/asreview @TheASReview facebook.com/theasreview © 2015. Published most Mondays during the school year by the Associated Students of Western Washington University. The AS Review is an alternative weekly that provides coverage of student interests such as the AS government, activities and student life. The Review seeks to enhance the student experience by shedding light on underrepresented issues, inclusive coverage, informing readers and promoting dialogue.
IN THIS ISSUE
6 Kayak the Bay Western’s AS Outdoor Center is hosting kayaking excursions through the month of October to go see the sun set over the Bellingham Bay horizon. Find out how you can be a part of this brand new opportunity.
7 Your
Sustainable Action Fund Find out what the Sustainable Action Fund is and how it’s helping Western become a greener campus community.
4 Inside the
Underground Learn about all the events that go on inside the Underground Coffeehouse
8 The Co Founder Western alumni The Co Founder is performing on Wednesday, October 7 at Western’s Underground Coffeehouse. Find out more about this unique Bellingham artist and discover more about his music before the show.
We welcome reader submissions, including news articles, literary pieces, photography, artwork or anything else physically printable. Email submissions to as.review@wwu.edu. We welcome letters to the editor. Please limit your letter to 300 words, include your name, phone number and year in school, if you’re a student. Send them to as.review@wwu.edu. Published letters may have minor edits made to their length or grammar.
Marina Price Alexandra Bartick Trevor Grimm Ian Sanquist Kate Welch Morgan Annable Sarah Sharp Alexandra Bartick Designer Zach Becker Adviser Jeff Bates
Editor in Chief Assistant Editor Lead Photographer Writers
Students swirl around the crafts table at VU Late Night last Friday the 28 of October. Photo by Marina Price // AS Review
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EVENTS
Poetry & Lyric Open Mic Night October 5 & 19 // 7 p.m. // Underground Coffeehouse // Free An open mic night specifically for spoken word performances. Signups are at 6:30 p.m., open to all.
Wednesday Night Concert Series October 7 // 7 p.m. // Underground Coffeehouse // Free
and draw, sketch, write and doodle all over the walls of the VU Gallery. Materials provided. The opening reception will be on October 15.
WWU Swing Kids Fall Dance Event October 9- 11 // 11 a.m. // VU MPR // $10 with student ID, $15 for non-students Join the WWU Swing Kids club for a weekend of dance classes, with the finale being an evening dance on Sunday. Prizes will be awarded for best dressed guy and gal.
Top Ten: Sept 27- Oct 3 1
Another One Mac Demarco
2
Depression Cherry Beach House
3
Currents Tame Impala
4
No No No Beirut
5
Abyss Chelsea Wolfe
Drew Perrin opens for The Co Founder for the second Wednesday Night Concert Series of the school year.
Jazz Jams
Fall Kickoff Carnival with the Sexual Awareness Center
A bi-weekly jam session starting up this Monday. Bring your own instruments and head down for some improvised musical fun.
6
Multi- Love Unknown Mortal Orchestra
7
Cemetery Highrise Slum Creepoid
The Closet (Queer Resource Center)
8
Key Change Mocky
October 14 // 5 p.m. // VU 464 // Free
9
Dancing at the Blue Lagoon Cayucas
October 8 // 6 p.m. // VU MPR // Free Learn about all the SAC has to offer at this carnival event featuring an open mic, photo booth, carnival games and free snacks.
VU Gallery Presents: Drawing Jam Octover 12 // 11 a.m. // VU 507 // Free A collaborative community art project where artists of all types can come
October 12 // 17 p.m. // Underground Coffeehouse // Free
Join the AS’s QRC for a workshop critiquing the limitations of “coming out” narriatives, and discuss ways to create new ideas that more accurently represent real experiences.
10
Misty Flats Goldberg KUGS is the Associated Students’ student-run radio station. Listen online at kugs.org. If you’re interested in getting on the waves, pick up a volunteer application in the station’s office on the seventh floor of the VU.
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The Underground Coffeehouse hopes to
S
BY KATE WELCH
just the general open mic night, there’s definitely some core students that go there to improve their skills, and it’s really great, because that’s kind of what that venue is for.” Falk said that he’s interested in trying to attract new students who might want to perform in addition to the core group of returners. “There’s a huge return rate actually on the performers. I really appreciate all the loyal students who take the opportunity to come back and perform,” says Falk. “ And also we’re trying to figure out ways to incorporate more new artists that maybe haven’t performed yet. That’s a challenge that we’re working on currently.”
ment this year is actually one of the major issues that encouraged her to get involved in ways other than pertudents sit on eclectic vintage couches arranged forming: the Underground Coffeehouse doesn’t have a before a small stage, as a local artist plays ampiano or keyboard. Daneshmandi learned the guitar so bient, new age sounds using a computer, keyshe could perform at the Underground and have an inboard and guitar. More people filter in as the strument to accompany her singing in the absence of a show begins, decorated with glow sticks encircling piano. heads and necks. The shrill whir of an espresso machine “I think that some students who play instruments sounds in the background along with the quiet chatter that aren’t necessarily as portable as a guitar can resoof attendees. nate with me and my experience coming to the underThe setting is personal, almost intimate, especially for ground. ” a music venue. The artist, Scruffager, is clearly visible, Another major change, said Daneshmandi, is a secret. allowing all the showgoers to get up close. “I am introducing an event winter quarter, and [it’s] Such is the atmosphere of the Underground Cofvery important for feehouse, a particularly unique right now with evvenue and spot on campus. Monerything that’s going day through Thursday evenings, on politically, racialthere’s always something to see. ly. Again I don’t want New events this year are open mic to say anything else, I nights to be dedicated to comedy, want it to be a surprise.” and poetry and lyrics. Other new In addition to all the events include dedicated nights changes, the Underfor Karaoke and educational trivia ground Coffeehouse nights in addition to the ones on also continues to host topics such as “Game of Thrones”. its popular Wednesday Trivia nights and open mic nights night concert series. are especially popular, says AssoEvery wednesday, a ciated Students Productions Cofree concert takes place ordinator, Jonah Falk. in the Underground Falk, who was the event coordiCoffeehouse from 7 nator for the Underground last to 9 p.m. One concert school year, played a major role that Daneshmandi is in increasing the diversity and excited about is the upamount of programming the Uncoming performance derground has. He introduced of Paris the Songwriter new open mic nights focusing on Williams, a vocal-loop certain genres of performance The Underground Coffeehouse is a popular spot on campus to read and meet friends. artist from Seattle. such as comedy nights. Photo: Alexandra Bartick // AS Review Although DaneshmanFalk has and is working closely Other new programs that Daneshmandi is excited di gets more excited about the less popular artists like with the this year’s coordinator, Karimeh Daneshmanabout is educational trivia nights. She says she sees Paris the Songwriter Williams, she does concede that di, to ensure that his legacy of diversifying the Underthem as an avenue for students to get more involved in she does her best to cater to the interests of the majorground Coffeehouse’s programming would continue. Falk explained that the events at the Underground Cof- events and activities surrounding social issues around ity groups on campus as well as representing diverse genres, with artists such as Bellingham local, Vervex. feehouse falls under the programming umbrella of AS campus and topics such as sexual education. “I really want to sit down, think about it, hear the voic“Of course, talent comes first”, says Daneshmandi, Productions. es of people who may be more knowledgeable in those but says that she hopes introducing more variety will Daneshmandi, the current Underground Coffeehouse [social issues] areas than me. So those things I really bring more and new patrons to the Underground Cofcoordinator, is excited to see how the new programwant to introduce but I have to think about what would feehouse. ming is received by students. She says that the current This diversification carries on from the extensive proopen mic nights that they put on are popular not only be appropriate, what would bring students there, what could introduce these ideas to new-coming students gramming efforts of Falk, who also introduced many with attending students, but also with the performers who may want to get involved by may not know what new events, who is as passionate about giving people a themselves, “Right now we haven’t had a poetry and terminology to use. ” venue to perform in as Daneshmandi as about creating lyric night, so we don’t know how that’s going to go, but Another change that Daneshmandi wants to implecommunity. from past experience with comedy open mic night and
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unite students with varied programming “A big passion of mine is youth performing arts, so a big thing that I wanted to have be my whole concept for the year was what different ways can I create opportunities for students to perform or share their art or develop. So we did things like more individual open mics as opposed to the wide variety, such as comedy and poetry nights. We added a battle of the bands that was showcasing student musicians. In winter, we actually had all student openers for the Wednesday night concert series. And to just try to figure out how to cater to all the different kinds of performing arts. ” Students interested in performing at open mic nights can sign up at 6:30 p.m. on the day of the particular show they’d like to perform in at the Underground Coffeehouse. Others wishing to suggest or request other performances or interested in hosting club events in the Underground Coffeehouse can contact Daneshmandi at as.coffeehouse@wwu.edu. “For me it’s not just a school job, this is the career I want to go into and I’m really, really passionate about bringing a community together, stopping some separation, bringing opportunities for all people,” said Daneshmandi, “I just want people to know that, any suggestions or concerns or events you’re excited about, or feedback or events you really enjoyed. All feedback is welcome.”
TOP LEFT and BOTTOM LEFT: Performers at the Underground Coffeehouse. Photos by: Trevor Grimm // AS Review TOP RIGHT: The Underground Coffeehouse serves food and drinks. Students who are planning on staying in the Underground to enjoy their coffee can request to have their drink in a porcelain mug. ABOVE: The Underground Coffeehouse offers plenty of comfy seating so students can work on homework in the tranquil atmosphere and enjoy a cup of coffee. Photos by: Alexandra Bartick // AS Review
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Kayak Bellingham Bay with the AS BY MORGAN ANNABLE Bellingham is known for it’s nature, but never before have Western students had the opportunity to experience a sunset from the middle of Bellingham Bay. This fall, for the first time in Western history, the Outdoor Center is hosting a series of sunset kayaking excursions in Bellingham Bay. “We’ll load up all the kayaks, cruise down to Marine Park, get in the water, and basically just paddle around for a little while as the sun goes down, and just hang out, talk with friends, have a good time meeting people, and enjoy the beautiful views,” said Gus Landefeld, Outdoor Center Excursions Coordinator. The first paddle was on September 30 at 5:15 p.m., with subsequent trips on October 14 at 5 p.m. and October 28 at 4:45 p.m. To join the fun, stop by the Outdoor Center in Viking Union 150 with $25 to sign up for an excursion. Attendees will meet at the Outdoor Center 30 to 40 minutes before sunset. Earlier this year, Western student Will Owen approached the Outdoor Center excursion coordinators with the idea for sunset kayaking trips. Owen worked with the Outdoor Center to plan the trips. “All our trip leaders are students,” said Landefeld. “We’re run by students for students and we’re always trying to think of new fun things to do that we haven’t offered before.” Kayaking experience is neither necessary nor expected. Students who are proficient kayakers are more than welcome to sign up for these events, but all excursions offered by the Outdoor Center are intended for students with no experience. There will be a basic sea kayak safety briefing at the beginning of the trip. These trips provide opportunities to experience Bellingham in a way that many students never have been able to before this year. “People will be able to get out, have a good time, forget about stress of school, work, whatever else they have going on and just enjoy the beautiful place that we live in,” Landefeld said. “To take a couple hours out of your day and go do something fun helps you kind of forget about all the stressors you have going on in your life.” Landefeld said that he has noticed a lot of students getting wrapped up in work and school obligations and not making time to enjoy themselves. “They forget to have fun,” he said. “A lot of the time people say that they don’t have any time, but if you just make it a priority to get out once a week or something, it’s totally doable.” Landefeld himself makes time in his busy schedule to do something he enjoys every weekStudents on the first AS Outdoor Center kayaking trip excursion to see the sunset on Wednesday, end. September 30. Visit the AS Outdoor Center to sign up for future trips this October. The cost is $25. “It’s totally doable. You just have to prioritize having fun.” Weather will not impact the schedule of the trips, with the Photos: Trevor Grimm // AS Review
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Outdoor Center What’s in an SAF fee? BY MARINA PRICE
Students on the first AS Outdoor Center kayaking trip excursion on Wednesday, September 30. Photos: Trevor Grimm // AS Review exception of a storm causing a safety concern. “If people are psyched to go out in the rain, I don’t see a problem with that because you’re in the water already, you’re probably going to get a little wet,” said Landefeld. “I’m pretty adamant about going outside not just to experience the nice weather. Going out in bad weather is part of it too.” Landefeld and Owen elected to hold these trips at Marine Park because it is easily accessible and close to campus. “Going to Larrabee would be cool, but for things like this that are a little bit shorter and less involved it’s just quicker and accomplishes pretty much the same thing by going to Marine Park,” said Landefeld. Whether you are a seasoned kayaker or have never touched a boat in your life, the Outdoor Center’s new excursion will provide a unique look at Bellingham sunsets.
Each quarter, every student on campus pays a 70 cent per quarter fee labeled ‘Sustainable Action Fund’ on their total balance. It’s the second smallest fee at Western, but it makes a big impact on student life. Formerly called the ‘Green Energy Fee’, the name change came about after the AS Office of Sustainability said they wanted students to know that the fee funds not only energy- related projects, but economic, environmental and social sustainability projects as well, said Nate White, the SAF grant program coordinator. “A new name was a good way to start building that awareness,” he said. “It reflects a more holistic embrace of sustainability.” The SAF is entirely student-run and student-initiated. The fee cumulates into a grant, and is awarded to students who can create a project that will “focus on promoting experiential learning opportunities and sustainable practices at Western Washington University,” according to their website. Any student, staff or faculty member is eligible to apply for the grant funding, if their idea aligns with the SAF aims to increase student involvement and education, reduce the university’s environmental impact, and create an aware and engaged campus community. Those interested can attend the SAF Idea Labs, where they can learn more about the program and how to submit ideas for projects. “I love how the SAF provides students opportunities to have a direct impact at
Western,” said White. “It allows students the ability to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world challenges at Western, and gives them practical experience that looks good on a resume.” The fee was first initiated in 2005, which prompted Western to become the first university in the country to purchase 100% renewable energy. It did not become student-initiated until 2010. Currently the fee is being used to fund a lighting retrofit in the Concert Hall in the PAC, replacing old, high energy-consuming bulbs with energy-saving LED lights. There are also two projects currently in the works that will involve putting energy producing bicycles into the Recreation Center, in the hope to “bring more kinetic energy-harnessing technology in the facility in the future,” said the group who brought the project together. Past completed projects include the hydroponics aquarium on the first floor of the biology building, a 5 kWh solar array on the Environmental Studies building, and the many high-speed hand dryers that are now found in campus bathrooms. White said that this year he hopes to establish relationships and collaborate with diversity and entrepreneurial groups on campus. “We see a lot of potential for our program to be used by these groups to advance a more holistic vision of sustainability, and we are excited to start that conversation,” he said. More information on the fee and how you can become involved can be found on their website at wwu.edu/saf.
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Wednesday Night Concert Series
Band of the Week
The Co Founder A MUSIC REVIEW BY IAN SANQUIST The Co-Founder is Hayden Eller, and though when he started his band in 2012 with a friend it was indeed a duo of co-founders, he has since then focused on writing songs by himself, and is now again a singular entity, a solo co-founder, playing acoustic guitar and singing. Eller will play in the Underground Coffeehouse Wednesday October 7 at 7 p.m., as part of the Underground’s Wednesday Night Concert Series. Drew Perrin, another local acoustic folk musician, will also play. Eller spent his childhood in various Washington locales, then moved to Latvia at age 13 where he graduated from the International School there in 2011. Eller then returned to Bellingham for college and started out recording songs in his dorm room at Western using a USB microphone. These early recording sessions culminated in “The Dorm Room EP,” a recording that Eller is glad to say has mostly disappeared. Eller records in small spaces, from a dorm room bathroom to a closet in his grandmother’s house, and his music operates on an intimate scale, with large emotions on display. Eller said. “As of a few weeks ago I’ve been doing music full time; I’ve been focused on writing/producing new songs, doing promotion, booking shows, screen printing t-shirts. Kind of a whole range of things, all focused around trying to stay busy and continuing to move forward.” Over the past year, Eller worked with the Washington Reading Corps through AmeriCorps, while constantly working on his music. His contract now up, Eller says he’d like to put out a 7” vinyl recording, and he has some unreleased songs he thinks would work for it. The Co Founder performing at Cafe Racer near Seattle’s U District. Photo courtsey of: The Co Founder The music His lyrics reveal a longing for clarity that’s tempered by a sense of submission to a world that permits only transient insight, in which mistakes are inevitable. His songs are full of recognizable images, like a girl with headphones on running through the rain, or a sentimental-looking young man taking his seat on a train, preparing to receive, maybe, what he’s envisioned as the romance of the trip. “Old Programs/New Beliefs,” The Co-Founder’s latest EP, released in July, opens with “At Least That’s Clear,” a song that finds Eller singing in a raggedly emotional voice, occasionally reminiscent of Bon Iver at his most earthbound, over a subdued guitar melody that evokes a long time spent on a long road. “She says I’m tired of all the sad songs and
infallible mistakes, at least that clear,” Eller sings. “Old Programs/New Beliefs” and Eller’s full-length album “Sentimental Cigarette” are both available on his Bandcamp page, thecofoundermusic.bandcamp.com. Eller recorded, mixed, and mastered all the songs on each of these albums by himself, and the confidence of the recordings stands out against the sense of perpetual questioning expressed in the lyrics. A Fairhaven audio recording class that Eller took as a freshman provided a foundation for his recording process, but Eller says that he mostly records through a process of trial and error. “Old Programs/New Beliefs” came together over a period of a few weeks, while the songs on “Cigarette” came together over a period of three
years. The “Cigarette” songs play like vignettes and moments, each fully realized but distinct to itself, while the songs on Eller’s new EP create a more unified atmosphere of solitary reflection. This atmosphere is complemented, or perhaps clarified, by the EP’s cover, which shows a van parked under a grey sky, on a beach strewn with gravel and trash, a chilly-looking sea crashing behind it. On songs like “Cобака (Dog)” from the new EP, and “March 13”, from “Sentimental Cigarette”, Eller creates a sense of rhythm through the intensity of his strumming. The music collected here is not warm, but instead moves toward the haunted feeling of a room or a relationship after the last of the warmth has gone from it. Eller’s music opens into chilly, pensive, beautiful spaces.
LEFT: The Co Founder’s most recent album, Old Programs/ New Beliefs available on Bandcamp.
LEFT: The Co Founder’s first album, Cigarette, avialable on Bandcamp.