Orientation favorite returns for another successful night

Remember when the university shut down classes after 2:30 p.m. due to worries about another snow catastrophe. Some are reminded of Feb. 22 by this event, but others will remember it as the day that Howie Day, one of orientation’s performers, came back and packed the Belle Aire Terrace.

Far exceeding any of the Campus Activities Team’s expectations, this coffee house regular drew a very large following.

Who is Howie Day? Howie Day is an independent musical artist who recently released his first album, “Australia.” Although he does have a band that he frequently plays with and has recorded songs with, Day is currently touring independently.

His act may seem like the typical coffee house guitarist, but anyone who has had the pleasure of seeing his act will describe it as unique.

“Though he is a one man band, it doesn’t seem that way. It’s almost as if there is a band right behind him,” said sophomore John Murphy.

Through the use of a recording synthesizer, Day can program background sound that repeats throughout a song. This is the reason a band is present throughout his songs.

Though he is becoming more popular, many people lack significant background information to truly support him.

When asked about his greatest misconception, Day simply said the title of his first album “Australia.”

“I don’t know where or why, but people like to think that I’m a foreigner. People have started rumors that I’m from places as far away as Dublin or Sidney,” stated Day.

He chose the name for his album because of this crazy misconception. “I liked the idea of being from Australia. It seemed really interesting,” stated Day.

Though he may want to be from Australia, despite his desires and other peoples’ expectations, Day originated from Bangor, Maine. Born Jan. 15, 1981, Day would be considered the typical sophomore here at Villanova.

Playing the guitar since the age of 14, Howie received his first on stage appearance at age 15 when he played in front of an audience at Captain Nick’s, a local pub, in August of 1996.

Day attributes his success to various musical influences from every generation. “I’d say Jeff Buckley, Radiohead, the Beatles, Richard Ashcroft, Sting and Dave Matthews are my primary favorites,”stated Day.

He began touring in 1998, playing in local coffee houses and small audience occasions. When asked about his inclinations for small or large audiences, Howie replied simply “This was cool.” Further elaborating, “This show went really well. Villanova really was a great crowd, you showed me a good time.”

Constantly referring to Villanova as “Illanova,” this anecdote concisely described the personality of this up and coming genius. He is a laid back individual, one who is going with the flow of his emerging musical career.

Merely hoping to succeed, Howie Day was a timid individual who seemed to be relunctant to talk about his success. “It’s cool,” was his typical response to any inquiry about future expectations or past achievements.

What is in store for the future? “I just really want to enjoy touring. Hopefully opening up for some big groups, or just playing in front of larger crowds,” stated Howie. “Future albums are hopefully in store, but right now I’m not thinking about that.”

This boy turned musical man has become another Villanova favorite. Though he is hesitant to say it, Howie Day is certainly destined for success. In the future, those of us that had the pleasure on February 22nd can look back and say I knew him when. When he exuberantly pleased Villanova students, and gained a step in the direction of success.

“Illanova, thanks for the memories.” No, Howie, thank you!