Koji Finds a New Home

Posted by Marcus Correll on 10/12 at 10:37 AM

This was no ordinary show. The black-lit fraternity house on East Park Avenue felt more like a miniature concert hall than a house. I think this was the vision behind the house-show fueled by Run-for Cover Records’ newest artist, Koji.

The show, hosted by the Asylum and the Songwriters Club, was a success with over 100 people in attendance. The night began with local artists, such as Pat Troester, Pat Gallagher, Matthew Whittle from Matthew and the Judes, and A Day Without Love. All artists played serene 30-minute sets on acoustic instruments, setting a peaceful vibe.

Around 10:30pm when Koji finally took the floor, the rustling room fell silent. Seated on the floors of the living room and dining room, the crowd was introduced to the acoustic talents of Koji. Playing songs from his Spring Song Vol 1 album, he included fan favorites like “Color Quiet Loud” and “To the Dogs.”

Koji encouraged the crowd to join in on the choruses and playfully asked them to meow along with one song. And it actually sounded good.

Perhaps the best testament to the night was Koji’s rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Wagon Wheel.” With the audience singing along, Koji made it his own. Sitting on the floor, swaying to a Dylan song with the whole house singing along, definitely makes for an an eye- and ear-opening experience.

The night was near perfection. Koji even played a song that he usually reserves for his hometown shows but said, “I feel just as home in State College as I do in my own town of Harrisburg.”

Despite no encore, he left the crowd with one song that he loves to play: Otis Reddings’ “The Dock of the Bay.” It left listeners in the best of moods on their return home.

After the show, Koji graciously thanked everyone. Although he may one day play bigger, better shows, he promised the audience one thing: “I’ll definitely be coming back to you guys in State College.”

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