Pi Kappa Phi's Acoustic Coffee House, a benefit for a great cause, provided a stage for UCLA student talent

It seems that any time I attend an on campus student production, I am wowed by the talent that exists at UCLA. Tuesday’s second annual Pi Kappa Phi Acoustic Coffee House, a benefit for Pi Kappa Phi’s national philanthropy, Push America, was no exception.

Having attended and greatly enjoyed last year’s performance and being a pretty big Lady Danville fan, I donated my $5 and entered Covel Commons’ Grand Horizon Room with high expectations.

The competitive portion of the night began with solo performer and third-year ethnomusicology student Yuki Akaishi, who performed her original song “Take 1.” Akaishi impressed with her strong, rich voice and well-formed lyrics.

She was followed by the first duo of the night, Gibo and Chick, which would end up winning the viewers’ choice award for the night. The duo performed an upbeat cover of Brooke Fraser’s “Something in the Water.” The country-infused tune allowed both singers to showcase their intricate harmonies, and the presence of a strong backing beat allowed the crowd to really get into the feel of the song.

Second-year world arts and culture student Sebastian Milla also performed, playing his song “Kara.” Milla’s warm voice blended well with the subtly bright groove of the song, and he seemed to lose himself in the music as the song progressed.

Fourth-year communications student Skyler Gray, who also participated in last year’s event, performed her song “Loophole.” Gray’s deep and powerful voice captivated both the audience and judges.

The next performer, first-year undeclared student Courtney Randall, played an acoustic cover of Taylor Swift’s “Sparks Fly.” Though I am by no means a Taylor Swift fan, it was impossible not to appreciate Randall’s bright, strong voice and the great contrast between the light and intense portions of the song.

She was followed by the South Asian a cappella group Naya Zamaana, which was a definite crowd pleaser with its innovative mash-up of Justin Bieber’s “Baby” and “Yeh Honsla,” a popular Bollywood tune. The group’s layered harmonies were anchored by excellent and exciting beat boxing.

Alto, the second duo of the night, delivered easily the most different and offbeat performance of the night. Composed of two vocalists playing a stand up bass and a violin, the duo’s music stood in stark contrast to the primarily guitar driven tone of the night. The band’s enjoyable combination of folk and baroque pop, though different, did not go unappreciated, as the duo left with the judges’ choice award.

The third duo of the night, fourth-year musical theater student Melanie Fernandez and third-year music composition student DJ Harper, performed the original duet “You.” The duo had amazing chemistry, with Harper’s warm, rich voice complementing Fernandez’s charismatic voice in some of the night’s most powerful harmonies.

The final competitive act of the night was the three-piece indie/alternative band The Psykes, which performed its uplifting tune “The Best is Yet to Come.” The song featured a strong beat, an upbeat and folky guitar, and melodic vocals.

After the competitive portion of the night had concluded, fourth-year ethnomusicology student and last year’s winner Cameron Hovsepian, took the stage to perform a short set. With his gritty, soulful and pleasantly imperfect voice, Hovsepian reminded the crowd why he won the competition last year. His set embodied the quintessential idea of “coffee house music” with upbeat and intimate tunes, including a stellar acoustic cover of the Otis Redding classic “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay.”

The night concluded with the always-pleasing, piano-heavy indie rock of Lady Danville, composed of three Bruin alumni. The trio, currently on tour with Dashboard Confessional, demonstrated its vocal prowess, performing a set of songs that nearly all included intricate, three-part harmonies. The set included the band’s down-tempo acoustic cover of MGMT’s hit “Kids,” which was easily one of the most creative and well-performed covers I have ever heard. The band also performed the humorous song “I Want You Back,” distinguishing itself as the only band who can sing the lyrics “watching Rachel Ray, cooking a fillet” and still garner my respect. The band was obviously a crowd favorite, and its upbeat and accessible performance left little doubt that it is heading for great success.

The Pi Kappa Phi Acoustic Coffee House provided a great night of campus music for a great cause.