Listening to talented a cappella groups may provide a better incentive to climb to the second floor of the bookstore than searching for a used history textbook. After clearing out the piles of books from the mezzanine, the University Bookstore launched its new concert series early this month.
"Knowing that we have this space and that there are so many talented a cappella groups, I thought we could do something similar to Fridays after Five," marketing manager Pat Perkins said.
Perkins said she was inspired to form the concert series based on the success of book signings. Authors such as Ed Ayers and creative writing faculty members have participated in book readings and signings, which allow them to talk about their research with a wider public.
Perkins, therefore, decided to broaden the bookstore's capacity as an outlet for exposure into the music realm.
"It is a nice way to give exposure to people on Grounds that are doing something special," Perkins said.
The first concert was Oct. 2 and the Virginia Belles performed to an audience of about 50 people.
"They did very well," Perkins said. "I liked their rendition of 'Down to the River to Pray' by Alison Krauss."
Perkins also said the acoustics were pretty good because of the open area, and the atmosphere was comfortable and informal.
"It is such an intimate setting kind of like if you were going to Star Hill," Perkins said.
The musical groups will be selling their CDs at the performances and the bookstore also carries many of the groups' albums.
The next performance is tonight with AVP, followed by Hoos in Treble on Oct. 16. Perkins said there are three dates still open: Oct. 23, Oct. 30 and Nov. 20. Any university musical group who would like to perform should contact Perkins at jpp2s@virginia.edu.
For more information, see www.bookstore.virginia.edu/concertseries.asp
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