Politics had an emotional side, or at least it did Thursday night when Boston University Student Union President Matt Seidel took the stage at the Acoustic Caf’eacute;.
BU Central General Manager Brandon Epstein, a former Daily Free Press columnist, said the more than 200 students present came mostly because the president was the headlining artist.
Before performing his five original songs as well as covers of Johnny Cash, Oasis, the Wallflowers and Ben Kweller, Seidel let his diplomacy to take the stage and let the performers before him have more stage time.
Seidel, a College of Arts and Sciences junior, has performed twice already at the Acoustic Caf’eacute;, he said.
“I’ve been playing guitar for 10 years and had three bands back home in New Jersey before coming to BU,” Seidel said.
Many of the songs Seidel wrote were inspired by his life at BU and in New Jersey, he said. He has been influenced by Oasis, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Sex Pistols, The Clash and Bad Religion.
During his performance, Seidel involved the audience in his songs, asking them to clap and sing along. He also performed a free style blues piece and premiered his original song, “Icarus.”
Seidel also let the audience in on the other aspect of his life, the Student Union, and encouraged everyone to get involved.
“Our generation gets a rap for being apathetic,” he said. “I, as well as the other people who ran, had a practical knowledge of how to get things done.”
Paint By Numbers, the band that opened for Seidel, will be headlining in the October Acoustic Caf’eacute;, bandmates Jeremy Peterman and Brian Hayman said.
“Our style is acoustic, comedy music,” Peterman, a College of Communication senior, said. “Basically, we insult everyone and get people to de-friend us on Facebook.”
COM senior Martin Swartz, another opening performer, said he was excited to get involved with the Acoustic Caf’eacute;.
“I spent my summer playing guitar on the street, and if I can come here and get a captive audience, then why not?” he said.
CAS freshman Caroline Stack said yesterday was her first experience as an Acoustic Caf’eacute; attendee.
“I decided to come because it sounded like a good chance to hear fellow students,” she said.
CAS freshman Natali Ruchansky said it was a good opportunity to interact with the BU community.
“I like the acoustic guitar and wanted to meet new people,” she said.