2008 Woodie Awards
Sawicki wins over Quarry audience with tunes
Stephanie Wagner
Issue date: 10/22/07 Section: Intermission
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Katie Sawicki, a singer/songwriter from Brooklyn, N.Y., performed songs off her new album "For the Quiet," among others she has written in the past.
The show took place from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Atwood Quarry and was sponsored by Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) Services.
Sawicki chatted among audience members prior to the show and immediately had people's positive attention when she laughed and introduced herself.
"Ladies and gentlemen, all the way from Brooklyn, N.Y., I give you Katie Sawicki," Sawicki said.
The audience members bobbed their heads along with Sawicki as she strummed her guitar and sang an intense set of folk rock tunes, including a couple cover pieces.
The show was light-hearted but heartfelt, as Sawicki spent time between each song telling tales of her past lovers, explaining how her life influenced her to write certain pieces and poking fun at herself.
Only a few inches taller than five feet, she joked about her microphone being too high.
"I put my microphone low to look taller," Sawicki said. "Then I get off stage and people are like, 'You're short.'"
Admitting to the audience that she typically plays in bars, Sawicki gave everyone permission to act like a bar crowd.
"Feel free to yell or throw things," Sawicki said while joking with the crowd.
Sawicki finished her set successfully with what she considered to be the infamous "Gay Cowboy Song" before coming down from the stage to meet with the audience and sell her CDs.
Although it looked to be a quiet night, the audience ended up consisting of nearly 30 people.
Interim director of GLBT Services, Heidi Aldes, said she was pleased with the turnout.
With an audience full of active participants and excited listeners, Aldes considered it to be an "incredibly soulful turnout."
OutLoud! member Jess Ballangee said the show was an awesome experience.
Other audience members appreciated the location of the event.
"I like that it was in a small venue," said second-year-student Anna Swenson.
Although this is Sawicki's first national college campus tour, she is not a stranger to the road.
"I have been performing for two years; this is my second national tour," said Sawicki, 28. "I do about 100 shows per year."
Friday night's concert was a success, and since Sawicki referred to the GLBT services at SCSU to be the "coolest center of anywhere," it may be a possibility that she makes another stop here in the future.