The dimly lit interior of Handsome Johnny’s — better known as “Bar Bar”— hosted a joint performance from two of Colgate University’s a cappella groups, the Colgate Thirteen and the Swinging ’Gates, this past Tuesday.
Beginning at 9 p.m., the Swinging ’Gates sang first, with seniors in the group performing solos for covers such as “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac and “Valerie” originally by The Zutons, covered by Mark Ronson and featuring Amy Winehouse. After a short break, the Colgate Thirteen stepped up with their own host of songs, including “Colder Weather” by the Zac Brown Band.
The space was filled to the brim with students, making for a more intimate production than their typical on-campus concerts in venues such as the Colgate Memorial Chapel. Despite having little elbow room, the crowd was respectfully quiet during each song, an uncommon occurrence in the usually noisy Bar Bar interior.
Bar Bar has previously hosted Colgate groups, including a Colgate student band two weeks prior. Jack Baynes, the owner of Bar Bar, informed the Maroon-News that they began bringing in live music in the 2023–2024 academic year and began hosting student performances last spring. Charlie Hobin, a senior at Colgate and a member of the Thirteen, said that it was during another student performance at Bar Bar earlier in the semester that he thought of the idea to bring a cappella to the venue.
“One of my other buddy’s bands was performing, and we thought to just ask the owner if we could do a little a cappella,” Hobin said. “We showed him our Instagram for the Colgate Thirteen and the Swinging ’Gates and shot him a text. He said, ‘Yeah, let’s make it happen.’”
It seems that all parties involved were glad that the two long standing a cappella groups had diversified their choice of venue. Senior Reanna Bartels-Quansah, the administrative leader of the Swinging ’Gates, liaises with the University for concert planning and books outside venues. She was excited for the performance and hopes to make a return to Bar Bar and other locations in town despite a busy schedule.
“We definitely have a lot of concerts coming up for our juniors and sophomores. We have our senior concert in the chapel, we’re doing recording — there’s a lot going on. But if we have the time, I’d love to do something again at Bar Bar or another place in town,” Bartels-Quansah said.
Hobin also expressed interest in exploring new venues.
“It would be good to do some more shows off-campus for sure, like other bars or maybe the [Good Nature] Brewery,” Hobin said.
Baynes added that Bar Bar has enjoyed hosting live music.
“All of the musicians have been really talented and they’ve brought out great crowds,” Baynes said.
Bar Bar has become a go-to watering hole for Colgate upperclassmen since opening, with crowds regularly filling the space on weekends. The cozy atmosphere and quirky decor, including a bemusing “Colorado Therapeutic Massage” sign, matched with the “Bar Bar” nickname — which Baynes said the team has embraced whole-heartedly — has made the establishment an instant staple of the University social scene.
For Bartles-Quansah, the bar is a great social gathering spot, especially considering that many Colgate seniors, including herself, live downtown. Hobin likewise expressed delight with the turnout.
“It was the most packed I’ve probably ever seen this place, which is cool to see that people come out for a cappella,” Hobin said.
Bar Bar will continue to host live music every Tuesday at 9 p.m. and every other Wednesday at 7 p.m. through this May. If any music groups are interested in performing, they should see the form linked in the bar’s Instagram bio, @bar_bar_hamilton. They will also post announcements of upcoming shows on that page.
