The Performing Arts Collective has been hosting events through the semester. Most recently, SLU PAC held a Green Day and Green Living listening party in collaboration with the Green House.

James Kemp ’23, president of SLU Performing Arts Collective, found the event was a blast. “We listened to some excellent music carved pumpkins and baked some pumpkin seeds,” he said. 

The PAC has hosted a wide range of events this year. They decide the music for events at their weekly meetings. “For listening parties, we choose a band and a food that are related and go from there,” Kemp said. “Some examples include Smashing Pumpkin Pie and Rex Orange Creamsicle County.” 

Kemp says the range of music taste in members of the collective helps. “What’s great about PAC is everyone has a unique taste in music and art, so we see a variety in the themes of events we hold,” he said.

COVID regulations have impacted SLU PAC events. All events are now outside, which brings some challenges. “It’s a lot of fun to enjoy music with friends outside on a bright sunny day, however we’ve had several events where the weather was rainy and we had to end early,” Kemp said.

To allow students to eat at PAC events, food is prepackaged and attendees can only eat with their family unit. Masks are required and social distancing is enforced. 

The Performing Arts Collective will have more listening parties this semester, as well as an open mic. Kemp recommends attending these events. “PAC open mics are always a great showcase of SLU’s finest talent so I’m very excited for that one,” he said. 

Niamh Creedon-Carey ’21 lives in the Arts Annex and has been in SLU PAC for three years. She has been impressed with the amount of events SLU PAC has hosted so far during these times. “In many ways, the outdoor events are even better than what we usually do, she said. “At listening parties and open mics this semester it’s been really fun to sit outside and have people stop by just from walking past and being interested, it’s allowed us to reach and involve way more people than in past years.”

Creedon-Carey’s favorite events from her time in SLU PAC so far were Beyoncé’s Lemonade and Lemonade and CAAMP and Crepes. “I think my favorite part of SLU PAC events is the emphasis on appreciating music even when you aren’t personally performing,” she said. “It’s awesome to live in a house that encourages musical performance, but it’s also really nice to just sit together and listen to new types of music at listening parties, or to hear your friends performing at open mics.”

Creedon-Carey thinks other students should get involved with SLU PAC because of the strong performing artist community. “What’s unique about it is that SLU PAC will challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and just enjoy your performing art no matter what level of experience or comfort you’re at,” she said.

If students are interested in getting involved, SLU PAC meets every Monday at 5:30 p.m. over Zoom. Follow them on Instagram @slu_pac.