The Tri-Cooperatives throw a welcome-back “Haus” show

Headliners New Pony, Ashley Jaguar and Wet Summer played down-to-earth sets next to the Segundo dorms

By MIRIAM RAMAKRISHNAN — arts@theaggie.org 

While it may feel like the fall quarter has just started, the Davis music scene is kicking year-round. On Oct. 2, the Tri-Cooperatives — located at 530 Regan Hall Circle in Davis — threw a lively house show featuring bands New Pony, Ashley Jaguar and Wet Summer.

Maeve Searcy, a third-year chemical engineering major and Tri-Cooperative member, was one of the main leads in putting together the “Haus” show. 

“The Tri-Cooperatives are a student-run housing cooperative,” Searcy said. “We work to center sustainable living, the unlearning of oppressive systems and uplifting each other’s voices. We’re also an event venue and host many events featuring local bands and artists.”

The Tri-Cooperatives aim to make events financially accessible to all students. For this show, attendees could choose to donate between $5 to $10, but the payment plan is always flexible for events here.

“All of our events are 'pay what you can' or ‘no one turned away for lack of funds,’” Searcy said. “We are also a part of the larger Solar Community Housing Association, which includes the Tri-Cooperatives, the Domes and three off-campus houses.”

The Tri-Cooperatives have a history of being an artsy, do-it-yourself venue and welcoming environment for all. Attendees were laughing and clapping in between each New Pony song; though only three of New Pony’s five members were available to play that Friday night, missing two people did not slow the band down. 

Third-year music major and guitarist George Harris, fourth-year civil engineering major and bassist Arlo Jones and drummer Miguel Huhndorf-Lima, a third-year history and Native American studies double major, leaned into the more stripped-down sound — resulting in a rawer, more authentic performance.

“I felt that our performance was good, albeit I was quite nervous going into it,” Harris said. “I had some noticeable mess-ups, but otherwise I think we did pretty alright. My bandmates were incredible, and it was a pleasure playing with them as usual.”

When asked about his hopes for the Davis music scene moving forward, Harris declared that it is critical to keep the spirit of live music alive for UC Davis students.

“The environment [at the Tri-Cooperatives] was super welcoming and everyone was super nice,” Harris said. “It felt like a very accepting and loving space. In the future I’m hoping for more people to come out and support live music. I think that this art is so important and vital to the community here.”

Tanith Tsang, a second-year economics major, attended the house show. Being part of a band herself, she expressed appreciation for the experience of performing for an energetic crowd; people show up for each other as much as for the music.

“This was such a fun way to start the year off,” Tsang said. “I’m happy to be here supporting my friends and fellow musicians, and I’m grateful that these shows are happening almost every weekend here in Davis.”

This might be the first show of the year at this location, but it’s certainly not the last. If you missed this show, you can follow the Tri-Cooperatives on Instagram @tri.coop.events for updates on upcoming events. 

Written by: Miriam Ramakrishnan — arts@theaggie.org