Artist Cary Judd treated a small crowd of Baker University students to an intimate performance Tuesday night at Espress Yourself in downtown Baldwin City.
President of Student Activities Council Jonathan Affalter said he had an opportunity to preview Judd before SAC invited him to perform at Baker University.
“When we went to our NACA (National Association of College Activities) convention last October, we saw him perform and really liked him,” Affalter said. “We thought he would be somebody the Baker students would enjoy.”
The group had a chance to “block book” Judd, which meant they were able to book him at a time when he would already be on tour in the area, Affalter said.
Director of Student Activities Council Sarah Thuma said block booking is a good way for SAC to get big acts without breaking their budget.
“Cary Judd is someone entertaining, and it is something students don’t get to see every day,” Thuma said. “Plus, I think holding it at Espress Yourself gives students a chance to get off campus and relax.”
Judd, who has been professionally touring for three years, described his music as part acoustic and part electronic. He tours six to ten months out of the year and has released two CDs. He said he likes to play at almost any venue.
“I love playing to small venues like this with like 40 people because I can look everyone in the eye and pick people out,” Judd said.
Judd attended a little bit of college for some basic music theory classes but said they didn’t have the rock and roll major he needed. Judd said he would be interested in a repeat performance in Baldwin City.
“I’d love to return to Baker,” Judd said. “Everyone has been very respectful and interactive.”
Freshman Laura Paul said she attended Judd’s performance because it sounded like a good Tuesday night activity.
“I was impressed by his performance,” Paul said. “His voice had a nice sound, and the music was good too.”