Three sophomores performed at the House of Blues Dallas Saturday for a full two-hour set in their first live performance together.
Wes Robbins, psychology major from Houston, Caroline Levinson, graphic design and advertising major from Colleyville, and Aaron Cervantes, management major from McAllen, stepped into the Dallas spotlight with little practice beforehand.
“When I was back in Abilene for Welcome Week, we practiced several times, but honestly we are making up a lot of it as we go,” said Robbins, who currently lives in Dallas with CitySquare.
Robbins plays guitar and sings, while Levinson sings and Cervantes plays guitar and cajon.
The opportunity for Robbins and his friends was spontaneous and surfaced from a simple open mic night Robbins performed at in Dallas.
“This summer, I was living in Dallas doing an AmeriCorps internship with CitySquare’s Food on the Move program,” Robbins said. “I played open-mic night at the House of Blues, and they liked my set so they booked me to come back on the 30th to play a full two-hour show for the restaurant guests.”
Robbins asked Cervantes and Levinson to perform at the House of Blues with him, remembering the show they played together in Abilene last year.
“The House of Blues is such a neat building, so it was an amazing atmosphere to play music in,” Levinson said. “Wes and Aaron are crazy-talented musicians, and they really just love music for all that it is. So singing with them is the best.”
Their love for each other and the music they played clearly influenced their dynamic, regardless of individual opinions towards playing live.
“I love playing solo because of the freedom that it brings, but there’s also something special about looking to your left and right and knowing your friends have your back – musically and otherwise,” Robbins said.
This was the first opportunity for Robbins and his friends to gain more performing experience.
“I spoke to the manager after the show and he said he enjoyed it and is going to try to book me again some time soon,” Robbins said. “I also look forward to coming opportunities to play elsewhere.”
