Gone were the usual connected table and chair units, replaced with audience seating and actual tables and chairs.

The florescent lights were off, the room lit by lamps and electric candles.

Under the performers’ microphones was a beautiful rug, and behind them hung a cloth decorated with an ethnic motif.

Choir volunteers pulled off an amazing feat of transformation Friday night, turning the cafeteria into an artsy venue for the annual PV Coffeehouse. Instead of chicken fingers and fries, delicious baked goods and hot drinks were available, with proceeds going to choir activities.

As transporting as the atmosphere was, the true draw of the event was the performers, and they did not disappoint.

The majority of the acts were vocal, sung by one performer with accompaniment. Such acts were performed by Veronica Carbonell, Nicole Zamlout, Taylor Allgor, Stephanie Joo, Rebecca Silverman, Katie Revie, Tiffany Lowe, Maggie Capone, and Molly Henry, with accompaniment from Mrs. Argine Safari and Joel Noonan.

The exceptions were a beautiful acapella rendition of “Isn’t She Lovely” by Grace Kim, Grace Cho, and Jenn Tran, a comedic duet of “What is This Feeling” by Julia Ganbarg and Jessica Snyder, and a touching duet of “We’re Going to be Friends” by Hana Shapiro and Meghan Doody. Breaking the musical mold entirely were Brenna Fitzmaurice’s searing recitation of original poetry and Brandon Alvarado’s side-splitting stand up comedy. The event was emceed with grace and humor by Maggie Capone and Joel Noonan.

The defining element of Coffeehouse Night was the atmosphere, which is much more low key than that of other events. The casual feeling was appreciated by both audience members and performers, who were allowed to mingle in the upper cafeteria.

“This was my first time reading my own poetry aloud, in front of an audience,” said Fitzmaurice, a junior. “I was amazed and grateful for how well-recieved my piece was.”

The spontaneous and fun mood was not in spite of, but because of, all the hard work and planning of the choir volunteers.

If you missed this great night, don’t worry. Talent Night, on October 30th, will contain many of the Coffeehouse acts and more, and upcoming events like Lit Out Loud (date to be announced) and the PV Rocks! Student/Faculty Talent Show (Jan. 28) will show off the talent of Pascack Valley.