By day, McCollough Library in the Upper School serves as a modernist brick-and-wood hub for students to study and hang out. But once a year, by night, it becomes a gathering place for artists of all varieties from the MICDS community, where tables and chairs give way to a stage, lights, a sound system, instruments, and more for the Blue Whale Cafe.
Blue Whale Cafe was founded in 1995 by the MICDS Environmental Club and Arts Council as a student-led fundraising event to raise awareness of the importance of protecting ocean life. This year’s event raised more than $2,000 in proceeds to support Whale & Dolphin Conservation of North America, the leading global charity dedicated to the conservation and protection of all whales and dolphins.
Emerson Pook ’26 held a significant leadership role as an Arts Council producer. She said, “I was very excited this year to be able to have a part in planning our annual Blue Whale Cafe. It’s a great opportunity for us to celebrate our performing artists and have multiple art disciplines come together to create something amazing. This year, I helped with the more logistical aspects like organizing performers, communicating with the student body and faculty, making the decorations list, and delegating tasks to my council. My favorite part of it all was making the big Blue Whale sign; it was more of my skill set than the other responsibilities, and I think it turned out well. I never knew how much work went into planning something like this, but I think I managed.”
Fifty performers in 27 acts delivered nearly three hours of solid entertainment. From solo singers and faculty musical duos to full-scale bands and comedy acts, there was entertainment galore.
Carrie Clennan ’26, who appeared in multiple acts as a performer and accompanist, said, “I love getting to see everyone perform, especially when it’s students and teachers that I don’t know as well. I think it’s really cool to see everyone embracing their talents and passions, and Blue Whale is an intimate and supportive environment to take that opportunity. I love performing at Blue Whale because I haven’t really had that opportunity in the past.”
As a veteran performer, Cam Cozad ’27 shared, “I really enjoyed performing in Blue Whale Cafe this year, as I performed with the same group I did last year. I was excited to show our band’s growth in the form of three songs, and I think we performed really well. I was also happy to sing in a new band and accompany someone through playing guitar. Overall, I think it was a really fun and exciting experience.”
It’s especially entertaining to have faculty and staff take the stage. Students and colleagues alike get to see each other in a new light, and unknown talents are revealed. Upper School English Teacher Gary Baumstark is new to the MICDS community this year and appreciates the event’s warm atmosphere. “I love performing and watching the other acts, as it is a new way to connect with kids. I sang a song and played guitar. I also played guitar for a song sung by fellow English department member Louise Hindle. A few of my students performed, so it was great to be able to see them in a new context. I was impressed not only with all of the performers, but I was most impressed by how supportive the audience was for all of the performances. Being new to MICDS, I am thankful that everyone made me feel so welcome.”
Hindle performed the old folk tune, Wild Mountain Thyme with Baumstark and said, “Fun facts: this was actually my first time attending Blue Whale and my first time singing in public for ‘hundreds’ of years. To say I was a bit nervous is an understatement; however, colleagues reassured me that it is always a welcoming and supportive audience, so I decided to try and be brave. After some rehearsing (big thanks to Gary!), I actually felt ready to enjoy the performance.”
Pook said, “This year, our performers were all amazing and super flexible, and we had a lot more than expected. Having the help of Mr. Huber and Mrs. Trueman made everything so much easier. They do a lot more than most know, and I am very grateful for them.’
Hindle added, “From what I saw, I thought that the whole event was delightful. It’s always wonderful to witness the talents and stage confidence of our community. I was in awe – and that’s without a massive shout-out to the tech crew, too, who were working away during sound check like real professionals. I loved how they transformed the library space too: it was just like being in a cosy cafe space! I have so much gratitude for the opportunity and the encouragement of fellow colleagues and students.”
“Getting to take the stage in front of all my family and friends is such a rewarding experience,” said Clennan. “In most areas of my life, it can be difficult to showcase my passion for performance, so it really fills me with joy to have the experience. I like seeing people after the show and hearing that my music made an impact on them. Blue Whale is so inspiring, and I wish that I had done it all four years.”
“I think everyone left with a warm, fuzzy feeling,” said Baumstark. “The supportive atmosphere represents some of the best of MICDS. Overall, it was just a really fun night with such positive vibes.”
Click here to see the full Blue Whale 2026 menu and program designed by Ellie Chen ’26. This year’s Blue Whale logo was designed by Luca Becker ’26.