The room was alive with spirit, featuring live music, a Core merch table, and a mixture of sweet treats, snacks, and beverages all provided by the station and available to all!

The night kicked off with an all acoustic set by Frank D'Amico (@frankd.amico). D'Amico's performance felt alluringly raw, emotional, and laid-back, setting the perfect opening mood. As more guests entered the room, his melodic strings made the atmosphere welcoming and inviting. D’Amico’s heartfelt and emotional lyrics truly made for a chilling unplugged set.

Next on the lineup was Ampersand (@ampersand.nb), who celebrated a major milestone by playing their first ever gig as a band at Spooky Sounds! Bringing indie rock and alternative vibes with a pop of saxophone to the floor, Ampersand shifted the atmosphere to a lively and energetic scene. Their debut was a memorable part of the night. It was a special moment for the band and a great addition to the Spooky Sounds experience!

Transitioning to Nevergreen (@nevergreenisaband) felt a little like déjà vu. Welcoming back frontwoman Emma Mangino, a former Core DJ, and the Core’s very own tech director, Adam Irwin on bass, the band brought some familiar faces to the stage! Nevergreen encouraged the entire room to get up on their feet for their set, and the crowd did just that! Packing a punch with a powerful start, their sound blends alternative rock and post-hardcore. Their set moved between soaring guitar riffs to calm, melodic passages, building into full-throttle delivery of emotion and passion through vocals. Nevergreen performed an unreleased song for the first time in front of this crowd, giving attendees an exclusive first listen. They also announced an upcoming project tied to a future CD release, leaving listeners with something new to look forward to if they wanted to give the band a deeper listen!

For the final act of the night, Haus of Cream took center stage, led by mother of the Haus, Elizah Cream (@therealpunkdiva). Bringing fierce energy and theatrical flair, Haus of Cream transformed the coffeehouse and captivated the room with hauntingly beautiful dance routines and interactive crowd pleasers. Without fail, these queens undoubtedly brought lively engagement to the room with their drag performances, keeping the audience engaged until the very end.

To close out the festivities, we announced the winners of the costume contest! The top three winners took home Core merch to add to their wardrobes, giving their Halloween looks a little extra station spirit.

From acoustic melodies, to headbanging riffs and spellbinding drag performances, Spooky Sounds brought the community together for a night celebrating music, creativity, and tons of Halloween fun and entertainment. With four incredible local acts and a room full of costumes, this year's Spooky Sounds coffeehouse was a great success!

Follow The Core on Instagram (@thecorefm) for more on station events!

Written by Alex Casares for 90.3 The Core 

Photos by Ella Georgiou, Jewel Hicks, and Vishnu Nair

Frank D'Amico performing his acoustic set. Photograph: Jewel Hicks

Ampersand's lead singer Theo. Photograph: Ella Georgiou

Nevergreen rocking out! Photograph: Ella Georgiou

Elizah Cream from Haus of Cream. Photograph: Vishnu Nair

Danielle Lohrman (General Manager) and Olivia Serrao (Head Music Director) at the Core merch table. Photograph: Ella Georgiou

Frank D'Amico! Photograph: Ella Georgiou

Ampersand as Not-So-Blue Man Group. Photograph: Ella Georgiou

Haus of Cream. Photograph: Ella Georgiou

Alex Trinidad-Palillero (News Director) and Jack Saad (Events Coordinator) commanding the room. Photograph: Ella Georgiou