Unconventional Venues for Singing and Playing Instruments

Music can take you to extraordinary and unexpected places. From grand palaces to crypts, from college cafeterias to psychiatric asylums, the act of singing and playing instruments has been turned into a unique and memorable experience. Here are some of the weirdest places I have practiced my craft or shared my music with others.

College in Italy: The Renaissance Cafeteria

During my senior year of college in Italy, I found myself in the golden halls of a Renaissance dormitory. Despite the beautiful architecture and ambiance, it was not the typical college experience. Needing a quiet place to practice my singing, I was granted the privilege of using the cafeteria. Surprisingly, this unconventional venue transformed into a surprising echo chamber, enhancing the acoustics and allowing me to belt out melodies in a way I never had before.

Granada’s Mysterious Acoustics

During a visit to the enchanting city of Granada, Spain, I ventured down to the crypt beneath the Palace of Charles V. The acoustics there were mystifying, almost otherworldly. It was as if the walls were alive, resonating with an ancient voice. I felt a compulsion to sing, and the space invited me to let my voice fill the crypt, creating an unforgettable experience that has lingered in my memory to this day.

Inside the Bus, Domino’s, and the Chem Lab

The act of singing and playing instruments has led me into some truly bizarre situations. During a crowded school bus, I found myself belting out a song, a noise that could be heard on the entire route. In one of Domino’s, the pizza chain, my singing echoed through the restaurant, much to the amusement of the patrons. In a college chemistry lab, the teacher, clearly in need of a break from the monotony of the lecture, allowed me to perform, transforming the lab into a spontaneous mini-concert. Even in a public toilet, the act of singing filled the small space with unexpected notes, adding a note of absurdity to the day.

An Unusual Venue: The Eloise Asylum

One of the most peculiar places I have played in is an impressive facility called Eloise, a sprawling complex filled with people committed for various mental and physical disorders. I volunteered to play my music for the staff and patients, from doctors and nurses to maintenance workers and clergy. It was a surreal experience, with the staff often perceived as crazier than the patients. The act of playing music in such an environment offered a unique and calming experience, bridging the gap between the inside and outside of the asylum.

Volunteering at Agecroft Museum, Richmond, Virginia

During a year working in Richmond, Virginia, I volunteered at the Agecroft Museum, a Tudor country house from England re-erected in the area. I was encouraged to play my lute on the property, primarily as personal practice but also to get used to performing in public. I did this every weekend for about a month, and it proved to be both a challenging and rewarding experience. The beautiful Tudor architecture created a serene and inspiring setting for my music, and the open-air venue allowed the sound to resonate in a natural and peaceful manner.

These experiences have not only broadened my understanding of music but also underscore the unique and varied environments in which it can flourish. From quiet cathedrals to bustling cafes, from the chaos of a neon-lit pizza parlor to the calming atmosphere of a historic museum, the act of singing and playing instruments can transcend the boundaries of conventional performance spaces.

Music is indeed a universal language, and its ability to connect us across boundaries and settings is truly remarkable. These unconventional venues have become beloved memories, enriching my love for music and the stories they carry.