Local band Niche Community, comprising a Grand Valley State University student in its ranks, performed at the “Black Cat Bash” Friday night.
Niche Community, alongside Ocean, Adriiaas, Solastalga and Fallsin, kicked off “Halloweekend” with a show that included a costume contest, spooky decor and setlist of songs inspired by the holiday. Niche Community is a group of four individuals with diverse music skills who all take turns sharing the center-stage spotlight. GVSU student Michael Siguenza, along with his sister Abigail Siguenza-Zoleta and two friends, founded the band in early September.
“We (the band) just clicked instantly,” Siguenza said. “(The music is) emo, indie and niche, but it’s for everyone, and that’s the beauty of it.”
The Black Cat Bash was Niche Community’s second performance. Siguenza said the event was created to be electric and inviting, and, despite the giant spiders dangling from the ceiling, a safe, not-too-spooky place to celebrate the holiday.
“There (were) some Halloween factors, cool lights and decorations,” Siguenza said. “(We also had a) very bright, ecstatic (and) exciting environment.”
The Siguenza siblings said the decision to host a concert on Halloween was an intimidating idea, inspired by wanting to offer a safe and sober space to celebrate the holiday. However, the idea took off as additional performers expressed excitement to get involved.
While the event was free to attend, Niche Community accepted donations that will be utilized to plan future performances and reserve concert spaces. Guests were encouraged to dress in costume, and Niche Community rocked on-stage in Beatles cosplay.
“I (feel) like I’m headlining a rock concert,” Siguenza said. “Being in a band is so invigorating. I think you have to experience it to (understand).”
Siguenza-Zoleta said the group aims to push boundaries through their music.
“Music is inherently powerful and political in my eyes,” Siguenza-Zoleta said. “My brother and I are first-generation immigrants. We want to make confrontational music.”
Currently, the only access to Niche Community’s music has been through shows, but this will soon change, as the group is working on recording original music. They hope that someday soon, everyone will be able to listen to their songs on streaming platforms like SoundCloud and Spotify.
“I really do believe anyone can create music as long as they move with kindness, open-mindedness and can collaborate,” said Siguenza-Zoleta. “It may sound cheesy, but I think those values are why we’ve been able to pull these shows off so far.”
Niche Community already has plans for a December concert, and hopes to continue supporting and offering spaces for artists in the Grand Rapids community.
