Penny’s hosted Larry’s, a night of relaxation and community for students featuring live music and mocktails, on March 26. 

The event offered five Hillsdale-inspired mocktails: Mock Rock Mule, Espresso Manning, Schismatics Strawberry Margarita, Senior Sunrise, and the Central Hall Shirley Temple.

According to junior and Head Shop Manager Maria Adamow, the name and theme of Larry’s was created by senior Nathan Rastovac. He told Penny’s General Manager Jennifer Lutz that while Penny’s is so popular, “What about Larry?” Afterward the idea was thrown around by Penny’s staff that since “Larry” loves drinks, students should have a bar on campus. 

When Lutz was given permission from College President Larry Arnn to name the event after him, the team began to prepare for the event.

“We got permission and finally had the opportunity to start in March, and we’re hoping it’ll be a recurring event,” Adamow said. 

Thursday nights are perfect for hosting Larry’s because it brings the fun of the weekend earlier into the week, according to sophomore Bailey Wright. 

“We wanted something unique and different, but something classy and natural as a study break, and we thought Thursdays could be like a celebration of Friday,” Wright said.

Junior Daniel Sturdy, who works at Penny’s and is also the president of music fraternity Theta Epsilon, performed live jazz and indie music with other members of the group.

“We played some songs that we hadn’t performed before, and we did some that we would normally play at Penny’s during the day, trying to get a mix of jazz and indie,” Sturdy said. “It felt like the best way to keep the college kids engaged.”

The mix of music and lighting made for a unique night on campus, according to sophomore Lenora Schupbach. 

“The ambiance is warm, inviting, and classy, which I like because it feels different from the monotonous everyday life of Hillsdale,” Schupbach said.

Sophomore Maria Logvin said she looks forward to there being a new communal space on campus.

“I had heard word of this event from one of the baristas at Penny’s months ago,” Logvin said. “I’m really excited that they’re actually making it happen. How cool would it be to have a little speakeasy on campus where people can get together. It’s such a good space for people central to campus to mingle.”

Junior Zanna Hughes enjoyed a Mock Rock Mule with her friend, junior Sarah-Michelle Eversaul, who had the Senior Sunrise.

“I think it’s a great alternative to the bar,” Hughes said. “I’ll enjoy a fun and lively drink whether it has alcohol or not.”

Adamow said she hoped Larry’s would be a place of relaxation and fun, and was pleased to see students playing cards and enjoying the live band.

“We had a great turnout, which is surprising considering it was pouring rain,” Adamow said. “But we’re hoping for more. We would love to open up the outside that could accommodate a lot more people.” 

Eversaul said she looks forward to Larry’s expanding to the porch. 

“I think this will be nice year round, especially as it gets warmer,” Eversaul said. “This will be nice in the evenings and lovely outside.” 

Penny’s plans to host Larry’s twice more this semester, on April 16 and 28.