In a college full of extracurricular programs, student publications, TV productions, and performance troupes, Liam Alexe, a junior marketing communications major, found that there weren’t many campus groups free of deadlines.
While scrolling on social media, he saw a friend post about a music-themed game night held by Music Lounge, a student group at the University of Connecticut, and felt inspired to create a similar organization at Emerson.
“I just love the idea of having something that was just social-based,” said Alexe. “We don’t have enough things to just do just for fun, [where] you go in and you don’t have to present something or produce something.”
Enter The Music Den, an organization dedicated to fostering community among music lovers through games, movie nights, listening parties, and other social events.
On Friday, Nov. 21, The Music Den will hold a Jeopardy-style music trivia night in Little Building Room 227 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
The group accepts anyone who enjoys music, no application required.
“I just really love getting involved in the music conversation. I can’t make music, I can’t sing, I can’t play an instrument, but it’s something about music that brings people really close together,” said Mia Rodriguez, a senior publishing major and The Music Den’s co-social media manager. “I’m really passionate about things that make communities and make them stronger, so I think this was just a really good opportunity to be a part of that.”
When creating the executive board, Alexe, who serves as the group’s president, wanted to hire a team with unique musical tastes and experiences, hoping to encourage people with similarly diverse interests to join.
“All genres, artists, songs, and students are welcome to be a part of The Music Den,” said Heather Thorn, a junior creative writing major and The Music Den’s secretary. “I say ‘come as you are’ a lot, not only to reference Nirvana, but just to emphasize that everyone is welcome and that we want to see a wide spectrum of music, whether that be rock or classical or Charli XCX.”
The group held its first virtual interest meeting on Nov. 11. Previously, they collaborated with Emerson’s radio station WECB for a College Radio Day broadcast.
The Music Den also recently expanded to the Los Angeles campus. On Nov. 12, the California chapter held its first event, a “Sound and Color Night,” where students painted CDs, decorated cookies, and participated in an open mic.
“The Music Den presents an interesting opportunity for Emerson College students to unwind and relax through bonding over music,” said Thorn.