Acoustic Kitchen Held Monthly Student Music Session

Students and faculty gathered at a Chicago venue for an evening of acoustic performances and original music.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Folk

Bold vector editorial illustration of an acoustic guitar leaning on a stool, capturing the intimate atmosphere of a music performance. — Students and faculty at Chicago's Haus venue gathered for the monthly Acoustic Kitchen, an open-mic night featuring original acoustic music and song. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe performing in low-pressure open mic settings helps musicians improve their stage presence?

The monthly Acoustic Kitchen open mic event showcased student and faculty talent in a low-pressure setting. Performers shared acoustic music including guitar, banjo, and acapella sets at the Haus on South Wabash Avenue.

Why it matters

The event provides a consistent, non-amplified stage for developing musicians to refine their craft in front of a live audience. It serves as a long-standing creative outlet within the local academic community.

The event has been running for 26 years, maintaining an acoustic format that excludes electronic amplification. Performances typically occur during a two-hour window between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.

The players

David Dolak

David Dolak is the founder of the Acoustic Kitchen, having established the event two and a half decades ago.

Naomi Hill-Caldwell

Naomi Hill-Caldwell is a musician and performer who recently presented original songs at the open mic event.

The details

Participants performed a variety of acoustic works, including two original songs presented by Naomi Hill-Caldwell. The venue, known as the Haus, creates an intimate environment intended to help musicians develop essential stagecraft.

The most recent session took place on September 29, 2026.
Naomi Hill-Caldwell will release her mixtape Bloom on October 12, 2026.
The next Acoustic Kitchen event is scheduled for October 20, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

This event reflects the broader cultural trend of collegiate open mic circuits serving as primary incubators for emerging acoustic talent. These gatherings contrast with the digital-first music industry by prioritizing physical, unamplified stagecraft.

Local residents and students can attend these monthly sessions at the Haus on South Wabash Avenue to witness live acoustic performances. The format allows attendees to experience music in an intimate, unamplified setting.

The takeaway

The Acoustic Kitchen demonstrates the enduring value of low-pressure performance environments for artistic growth. Aspiring musicians can utilize these community platforms to bridge the gap between rehearsal and public presentation.

What happens next

The Acoustic Kitchen will hold its next open mic session on October 20, 2026, and performer Naomi Hill-Caldwell is set to release her mixtape Bloom on October 12, 2026.