On Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in Wallenberg Hall, students gathered for Cabaret Night, a beloved annual tradition that celebrates musical expression in all its forms. This was not a competition, nor is it limited to music majors. It was an open stage, welcoming performers of all backgrounds and disciplines to sing, play or share original compositions in a supportive, judgment-free environment.
Michelle Crouch, a voice professor at Augustana College, expressed the deeper purpose of art and community. For her, music is not just a tool or skill; it’s a profound way of connecting, healing and remembering what truly matters.
“To invest ourselves in creating events, moments [and] activities that cause people to attend to each other and to attend to what is beautiful, what is good, what is true; that feels to me like a way of saving the world, saving ourselves from being sucked into a darkness that wants us to give up, to stop,” Crouch said.
Crouch sees events like Cabaret Night as essential, not only to the arts but to our emotional and social well-being.
“We are not here just to meet academic requirements,” Crouch said. “We are here to attend to each other, to pause and recognize what is beautiful. Music teaches us to listen, not only to sound but to silence. It helps us see each other more clearly.”
For senior Caley Larkin, majoring in theatre design and technology, Cabaret Night represents a sense of freedom. Larkin said the conventions and rules imposed by mainstream music do not allow her to express herself fully, preventing her from feeling free to get up on stage and be whoever she wants to be.
“The joy of music for its own sake brings people together,” Larkin said. “There’s no need to follow a strict pattern. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about feeling something, sharing something real. That’s what makes it special.”
This year, Larkin sang “Little Bird” by Lisa Hannigan, accompanied by her guitar. Larkin emphasized how rare it is to find such a supportive space, especially in contrast to the pressure often felt in creative academic fields.
“This event reminds us why we started loving music in the first place,” Larkin said.
Junior Maggie Meyers, majoring in music education, is participating for the third time in a jazz octet singing “Come Sunday” by The Real Group.
“What I love about Cabaret Night is that it allows you to explore genres you might not usually perform,” Meyers said. “It’s a chance to experiment, take risks, and have fun.”
What makes Cabaret Night truly unique is its unpredictability. From pop to jazz, rock to folk and even experimental pieces, every performance was an opportunity to connect, surprise and inspire. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, focused on expression rather than evaluation.
At a time when performance is often linked to productivity, grading or competition, Cabaret Night offered something refreshing: a space where creativity, authenticity and connection take center stage. It reminded the audience that music isn’t just an art form, it’s a way of being together.
