Fresh coffee and pop songs tinged with soul will fill the Brew for students to enjoy on Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. when Tim Halperin performs this Friday.
While Halperin usually performs with a full band, here at Augustana he will stick to his piano and his voice.
He is excited to play on campus as part of the Office of Student Life and Leadership’s Live on Campus series because many of the experiences he bases his songs on are from his time at Texas Christian University, where he went to college.
He also enjoys acoustic shows, as they allow him to introduce some songs and give the story behind them. However, he will also blend some covers into his set.
“It is fun to be able to play the songs in a college environment, because I think students can really relate to the material,” said Halperin.
Currently on tour, Halperin has had amazing experiences. He has been able to perform with bands like The Fray, and he met Ben Folds, who he cites as an inspiration for his music.
Bands like Coldplay and singer/songwriters like Elton John and Billy Joel also appear on the list of his musical influences.
“You will hear a little soul in my music, which comes from Motown acts like The Temptations but also from people like Gavin DeGraw, who is definitely an influence on my music as well,” Halperin said.
Halperin began his experience with music by learning piano as a child.
Though he started dabbling in songwriting in high school, his dream of being a star was a secret for a long time.
It was “American Idol” in 2011 – where he made it to the semi-finals – that showed him the possibility of music as a career.
Now he has accomplishments that are not at all secret, such as claiming the winning spot of the “Idol Got It Wrong Competition” by the radio host DJ Kidd Kraddick, performing at the House of Blues New Orleans, one of his favorite venues and releasing his debut album “Rise and Fall.”
Hoping many students show up to listen to his music, Halperin eagerly anticipates his visit to Augustana.
“I am looking forward to it,” Halperin said. “I have not been to [Augustana] before, but I have heard great things about the school. I know it is academically a great school, too. I am excited to go there and be there and be a part of your campus for a day.”
Thinking Halperin is just the type for the atmosphere of the Brew, Live on Campus co-Chair Cody Schmitt is looking forward to the performance, too.
He believes the show will be a good time for students.
“It is something that you can sit there and listen to and feel content,” Schmitt said. “People can come, enjoy the show, either work on homework or drink some coffee.”