Cafe samo serenades listeners

Ada Sorady / Contributer

Zoey Jaffa (’27), Stella Harris (’27), Angelina Cons’saniago(’27), Alexandria

Chaiet (’27)and Sophia Sorady (’27) perform at Cafe Samo.

On Jan. 30 and 31, the Humanities Center at Santa Monica High School was transformed into the student-led choir event, Cafe Samo. The Humanities center showcased a variety of live music, broadcasting the range of talent within Samo’s choir program. 

Organized by senior student leaders, Chloe Taheri (’26), Callista Hurwitz (’26) and Zoe Dale (’26), Cafe Samo gives choir members the chance to audition solo or with friends, build their own acts and take ownership of the show. Covering an array of genres, the performances offered something for everyone.

Angelina Cons’santiago (’27), had four acts at Cafe Samo- “Twist and Shout” by The Beatles, “Don't Stop Me Now” by Queen, “Respect” by Aretha Franklin and “I Want You Back”by The Jackson 5 .

 “The performances range a lot. Most of them are super upbeat and uplifting songs you want to sing along or dance to, but there are also slower, more heartfelt heartbreak songs. There’s a big range,” Cons’santiago said.   

With roughly 60 members of the audience each night, the intimate setting allowed the audience to feel connected to every note. Students performed live alongside instrumentals, creating a concert atmosphere that felt alive. 

Beyond the music, performers highlighted the collaborative spirit behind the scenes. Students rehearse independently, coordinate with instrumentalists and work closely with one another to bring their acts together. 

Sophia Sorady (’27), who performed twice at Cafe Samo singing “Don't Stop Me Now” and "I Want You Back," explains the benefits of participating in Cafe Samo.

“Cafe Samo is a time where you get to express yourself and showcase your leadership. It really builds leadership and a sense of community,” said Sorady.

Hurwitz explains why Cafe Samo matters and the importance of the event.

“It’s important because it’s run by students. There’s really no teacher interaction. It shows that we’re capable of putting something amazing together ourselves.”

For many, the experience is about more than just stepping into the spotlight. As Cons’santiago explains, it is about connection, friendship and opportunity; building and sharing something meaningful.

“You get to become closer with people, and it’s just fun to be on stage and perform,” said Cons’santiago.

As the final note played on Jan. 31, Cafe Samo proved itself to be more than a performance; it was a celebration of the hard-working students who put so much time and effort into those moments.