University of Virginia Library

New Decor Marks Expanded Prism

Second semester activities at the Prism
Coffeehouse will be marked by an
entirely new decor and many new faces
on stage. During the past two vacation
periods the coffeehouse's staff,
augmented by many volunteers,
remodeled and expanded the Prism's
physical plant.

The expansion, which has closed the
coffeehouse since Christmas vacation, was
undertaken to provide more seating
capacity for the crowds which often
jammed the Prism. Its manager commented
that the present seating arrangements
could comfortably handle 100-125
people.

The coffeehouse has also greatly
changed its decorative appearance. New
lighting and sound systems were installed
to give a warmer and more "together"
atmosphere. Posters have been replaced with
original art work contributed by many different
people. A larger and more comfortable
conversation-reading room has been added for
those who seek new friends when they go to
the Prism.

To accomplish the expansion the art gallery
at the Prism had to be abandoned. Lack of
material to show in the gallery had made its
rooms often empty and the space wasted. Half
of the former gallery was added to the main
room and the other half is now the
conversation room.

Another new feature will be a room devoted
to serving refreshments. The menu of drinks has
been expanded to include coffee, cider, soft
drinks, and several types of tea. The coffeehouse
staff will also begin serving some of these
items from the concession room.

The Prison will reopen Friday with Wide
Load, a rising local rock band. The group has
recently completed auditions with several
promoters from record companies which they
hope will eventually lead to a recording
contract. Saturday night will feature Bob
Crawford, Chet Blakistone, Gary Greenwood
and Dawn Thompson.

Largely through the efforts of Bob Crawford,
entertainment manager for the Prism,
many new entertainers never before heard in
Charlottesville will be performing this semester.
These people will be drawn from Norfolk,
Washington, Richmond and Baltimore. Local
performers will also appear, and the Prism is
always interested in hiring student talent.

The Xanadu headshop has contributed its
part to the new face of the Prism by greatly
increasing its stock of exotic goods on sale. The
shop will open on Friday at 8:00 prior to Wide
Load's first set around 9:15. The cover charge
will remain unchanged at 75 cents a person,
$1.25 a couple Friday for the rock band and 50
cents a person Saturday.

A spokesman for the Prism said the staff and
all those who helped on the expansion looks
upon their efforts as a more complete
fulfillment of the coffeehouse's purpose.

The Prism was founded four years ago to
provide a service to the University community
in the entertainment area. In addition, the
coffeehouse was seen as a place where the
various groups within the community
fraternity members, freaks, independents, faculty,
administration and townspeople could come
together to learn about and from each other.

In pursuing this goal the coffeehouse has
held discussions with President Shannon. Mayor
Vogt and several faculty members. The present
expansion is intended to enable the Prism to
handle more people in more comfortable
circumstances as well as allowing the staff to
encourage more interaction among all those
who attend events.

In order to accomplish its purpose the Prism
needs more people in every capacity pato
to help keep the place alive, workers,
performers, artists and just friends. Those
interested in helping the coffeehouse should
speak with any Prism staff member.