The National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) took place in Columbus, Ohio, this past weekend for its 60th semiannual conference. Representing campus engagement and student activities, our College Entertainment Committee (CEC) was part of this insightful conference and a weekend full of engaging opportunities.
As a freshman and general member of CEC, I didn’t know what to expect from an activities conference — especially one I had never attended before. Above all, I didn’t know what to expect from Ohio and its versatile artists, such as Columbus native Adam Paddock. It was my first time in the state (only the fifth state I’ve ever visited), and I can say I was pleasantly surprised by the entire experience.
Alongside informative lectures and an innovative marketplace, three showcases featured artists such as Brooke Alex, The Orphan and The Poet, and, my personal favorite, Jordy Searcy. The marketplace also left many of us astonished by the quality of artists who had participated in past years, including Adam Paddock and, previous Spring Arts performer, Noah Richardson.
Personally, the artists who surpassed my expectations — and were immediately added to my playlist — were Jordy Searcy and Adam Paddock. Their music captured the peaceful and magnificent (as Bon Iver might say) tones of modern folk, reminiscent of artists like The Lumineers and Hozier.
The artist who truly took my breath away was Jordy Searcy. A new sound emerged through his harmonica and acoustic guitar, playfully blending tones reminiscent of The Lumineers. It was almost 4 p.m. — time to leave — and we were all nearly “checked out.” Then Searcy stepped on stage and began playing his harmonica. Typical troubadour style, I thought. I was instantly transported to Stars Hollow. Yet what followed completely exceeded expectations: hearing my favorite genre performed live on a Monday afternoon, right before a seven-hour van ride home.
Jordy Searcy playing “Everything I want.” Image courtesy of Francesca Rayo 29’.
Searcy’s setlist included three romantic and playful songs: “Everything I Want,” “Fire” (which he sweetly dedicated to his wife over a phone call), and “Love & War in Your Twenties.” The concert felt breezy and wholesome, and the live experience was unmatched. The over-polished production of Spotify could never compare to that moment.
If you’re looking for an easy, light soundtrack for your next granola road trip, don’t hesitate to add one of his songs to your playlist. You might just be surprised. And of course, I couldn’t leave without taking a picture — it had to be part of the memory.
Second, but certainly not least, I came across Adam Paddock sitting on a stool, performing in the middle of the marketplace. While picking up a new sequin pillow, I heard an incredible voice singing “Sailor Song” by Gigi Perez (and diverting for a second — who doesn’t have emotional trauma tied to that song?). Curious and impressed, I walked toward the coffee station — another perk — and sat down to enjoy the performance.
The singer-songwriter behind “TENDER” and “THE GREATEST COMPROMISE,” and an opener for Wallows and Dua Lipa, welcomed music requests and delighted his small audience with covers of “Cherry Wine” and “Yellow.” He spoke passionately about his love for music and performing, saying he could do it for the rest of his life with nothing in return. I’m happy to say he earned the cow pin to take back.
Without these two emerging artists, my NACA experience would not have been the same. Every time artists like them gain more recognition, it’s exciting to watch their growth. So there you go — two more artists to add to your playlist.
Freshman Francesca Rayo is the Managing Editor. Her email is frayogue@fandm.edu.