A night with Gould: Music in action at Sandy’s

Breaking on Through ... Part 3

The Pendulum follows local musician and Elon alumnus Mark Gould as he follows his dream of breaking into the music industry.

Next month: Recently accepted to ECU’s music master’s program, we’ll check in on Gould’s post-graduate progress, as well as cover his upcoming performance with nationally-known band Rusted Root.

Virginia Galvez / Reporter

It’s a Thursday night on Elon’s campus and like myself and other young college students, you are looking for the “it” place to be. Judging by the fact that you are reading this article, you have had a chance to learn more about Elon alumnus and musician Mark Gould.

Now perhaps the last step is to get out there and actually catch one of his performances. Judging from the large turnout of beer-drinking, music-loving fans at Sandy’s last Thursday night, I had picked the right place.

“It’s great entertainment, small crowd. To be honest I know he’s trying to make it big, he’s starting small and moving his way up,” says Elon senior Steven Dennis. “He’s a real talented guy.”

Playing a range of requests ranging from Led Zeppelin to Oasis, Gould kept bar locals and investigating music lovers entertained all night. Gould, who seemed to know a great deal of the people, helped maintain the casual atmosphere by acknowledging shout-outs and song requests from friends while making sure the music played on.

Taking a few breaks to grab a drink or work the crowd, Gould keep things rockin’, recognizing that it’s the music that makes or breaks a scene. Sandy’s Thursday night was certainly no exception.

“If he was a woman, I’d date him,” jokes supporter Dan VanDongen. Apparently the ability to play songs on the spot has gained both musical and personal admiration for Gould. Aspiring to promote his new CD “Whispering of Public Opinion,” Gould played a few of his originals to mix things up. And if the variety of songs wasn’t enough to keep some people engaged, Gould turned listeners into singers as crowd members helped out with a truly spirited rendition of “Sweet Home Alabama.”

Complete with everyone in the bar belting along to the infamous chorus, Gould shared his talent in an unassuming manner that would make anyone feel like they were meant to hear those cover songs sung originally by Gould himself. Amid the smoke-filled, pong-playing establishment of Sandy’s Bar and Grille, Gould holds potential for becoming a regular musical talent of not only cover songs, but of original creations as well.