Union student Davis Smith performed as the opening artist for Nashville-based indie-rock band Goldpark on Friday, Aug. 20, to kick-off the 2021-2022 Barefoot’s Joe concert series. The show marked Goldpark’s first stop as they tour to promote their debut album, ‘Goldpark One.’
Smith’s performance as the opener was groundbreaking for Union; he is the first student to perform in a Barefoot’s Joe concert. A digital media communications major and recent transfer to Union, Smith has been writing and recording music for years and gained a dedicated following on Spotify, though this was his first live performance.
When asked about his experience playing his first concert at Barefoot’s, Smith said, “It’s fun because Union students are there because they want to be there.”
Indeed, the crowd of concertgoers was enthusiastic, with some crowding near the stage to sing along or high-five the artists. Many of those in attendance were already familiar with Smith’s music, either through friendship or fandom. Smith was animated when speaking about the opportunity to perform songs that have previously only been shared digitally.
“You can see streams go up, but you don’t hear the stories until you’re in person with people,” he said.
One of the attendees who knew Smith’s music and the stories behind it was Josiah Mancha, a political science major and Smith’s close friend.
“With most artists that you see, obviously, you don’t know them personally,” Mancha said. “With Davis, it was a little bit surreal to hear his songs live, in that format. It was the same songs, but now its live and people are here, listening to them for a concert experience.”
This was the first Barefoot’s Joe concert Mancha has attended, but he readily endorsed the experience and said he would return for future performances. The coffee shop extended its hours to remain open during the show, offering refreshments and adding to the unique concert-going experience. Mancha particularly enjoyed the intimate setting, including the opportunity to enjoy coffee and conversation or a rowdier experience depending on where you chose to stand.
Smith and Mancha echoed one another in encouraging their fellow students to attend future Union concerts.
“The coffee shop, once cleared out, kind of strikes a really great balance because it’s spacious enough to not be overwhelming and packed, but it’s also tight enough to have more of an intimate atmosphere,” Mancha said.
Smith agreed, and shared his belief that Barefoot’s is a personal, unique environment that artists don’t experience often.
“There’s an energy and connection in that room. And for people who don’t already know about it, it’s definitely worth checking out. Because not a whole lot of universities have this kind of intimate but electric atmosphere,” Smith said.
Both Goldpark and Davis Smith’s music can be found on Spotify and Apple Music.