Unveiling the Hidden Legacy of the Sarah Lawrence Blue Room
Allyson Barrera ’27 and Lucie Barsali ‘27
Photo courtesy of @slc_flashback on Instagram: Student band Man Man’s show on 11/08/08
A couple of weeks ago, during a Phoenix newspaper meeting buzzing with the anticipation of an upcoming event, an intriguing topic emerged from the depths of Sarah Lawrence College history. An old, now-abandoned venue in Bates basement known as "The Blue Room." The stories of this space in its glory days piqued our interest, and as we delved into its history, we uncovered a number of stories that go beyond the simple accounts passed down through classes.
According to the Sarah Lawrence College website, the Blue Room and Bates Basement were once popular for student concerts, dances, events like Sleaze Fest, and small theater performances. However, despite its historical significance, the Blue Room seemed to have fallen into obscurity, with the last Phoenix article regarding it dating back to 2012.
As we filtered through the archives, the Phoenix's narrative of the Blue Room unfolded. The articles, spanning back to the early 90s, captured the essence of a venue that witnessed and provided space for the evolution of student life and culture on campus. The last documented piece shed light on Blue Room dances, revealing a nuanced perspective— some students relished the experience, while others found it disappointing, to say the least. This prompts the question: Was the Blue Room truly a beloved haven for students or a space for distasteful events? Kirsten Craig, now a Sarah Lawrence alumna, provided a glimpse into the latter sentiment in the Phoenix archived article “Street Speak: First Years Share their Initial Impressions of SLC”, describing the Blue Room as simply "Hot. Sweaty." The questions that ran through her mind while confronting the space were, “Why is everybody on ecstasy? Why is everyone sweating vodka?” Her observations reflected a sentiment that resonated with a portion of the student body, raising questions about the venue's appeal and possibly giving insight as to why the school ultimately decided to shut it down. The controversy surrounding the Blue Room, evident in student opinions, adds depth to its narrative, illustrating the dynamic love-hate relationship that SLC students had with the space.
Photo courtesy of @slc_flashback on Instagram: Student band Man Man’s show on 11/08/05
More interestingly, what adds a layer of excitement to the Blue Room's legacy is its role as a stage for concerts by noteworthy artists. Despite its controversies with SLC students, the Blue Room became a coveted spot for indie and alternative musicians to perform. Mac DeMarco, Pinegrove, Kimya Dawson, The Antlers, Alex G, and Radiator Hospital— all took center stage in this unassuming basement. Going down the rabbit hole of this information led us to YouTube where we uncovered a relic from the past: a video capturing Mac DeMarco's 2014 North America tour, showcasing the tight connection between artist and audience in the Blue Room. In this video, Mac DeMarco not only performed some of his now most popular songs but also shared anecdotes about the warm reception he received from Sarah Lawrence students during his performance. His words painted a striking picture of the Blue Room's welcoming atmosphere, highlighting the unique bond between performers and our college community.
It's nothing short of surreal to think about these artists, who once graced the stage of our Blue Room, now being incredibly successful and commonplace on all our playlists. The records of these artists at our campus serve as a time capsule, capturing a moment when these musicians were just beginning their careers, yet already leaving an indelible mark on our campus. As one wanders through Bates building today, it's hard to fathom the energy that once pulsed through the Blue Room. But a rich past waits to be discovered beneath the calm exterior.
Just because the Blue Room is no longer an active part of our campus doesn’t mean that our school has ever stopped being home to extremely musically talented students. Recent events indicate a potential renaissance for the Blue Room. Salamander, a popular Sarah Lawrence band, recently graced Bates basement with a show, signaling the beginning of a movement to revive this iconic venue. This performance may be viewed as more than just a concert; it was a proclamation that the battle to retake this location has begun.
The Blue Room isn't just a relic, it is a live example of Sarah Lawrence's changing culture. Incoming students hear these whispered tales— a history that forms the foundation of our unique academic community. The quest to unveil more about this hidden history and the collective determination to revive it speak to the enduring spirit of Sarah Lawrence’s students. The Blue Room's echo reverberates, and as we learn more about its past, we pave the way for a future in which its legacy will live on.
We believe there's more to uncover, more stories to be told, and more insights to be gained about the Blue Room's past. As we work to piece this intricate story together, we invite anyone to share your experiences, memories, and any information you may have. Moreover, we're excited at the possibility that recent events suggest a potential renaissance for the Blue Room. It appears as though the past is still echoing in the present, and there is a strong will to bring this legendary location back to life. It is important to preserve the memories of these iconic performances and the cultural value they brought to our community. Together, we continue to unveil the hidden history of the Blue Room and, perhaps, pave the way for its resurrection.