(From Left to Right) Daniel Escovar, Kai Imaya, Nate Kwak, Luke Carlson, Adi Ranganathan and Aidan O’Hare. Solace performs at Art Boutiki on Oct. 25, 2025. **(Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)**

Bands Solace and Astrakinetic—featuring Santa Clara University undergraduates, graduate students, unaffiliated college students, high schoolers and friends they met along the way—took the stage at Art Boutiki on Oct. 25, kicking off Halloween early with a costumed live music performance.

And this event was more than a concert—it was an experience.

Upon entering, concertgoers were transported to a futuristic, AI-laden world where dumbification was ideal and the journey to Mars was the ultimate goal. Fans were invited to spin a prize wheel, and those who won were allowed to interact with a bizarre computerized mechanism, an experience required before they could access the stage.

Taking the stage at 8 p.m., Solace appeared in full space suits, united by one mission: to generate enough crowd hype to reach Mars.

They kicked off the night with a performance driven by a groovy beat. Guitarist Nate Kwak leaned into the rhythm, almost claiming it as his own, while drums anchored the sound with precise timing and balance—calling on jazz roots to smooth it out.

It was the kind of music that moves you—the kind where tight harmonies and infectious energy make the crowd want to sing along. That energy, drummer Adi Ranganathan ’26 explained, doesn’t come easily.

“You always try to bring a lot of energy, no matter where you play,” said Ranganathan, one of the few remaining members of the band’s original lineup. “The audience is as much a part of the performance as the people playing the music.”

Elena Hsu sings her heart out to the crowd. **(Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)**

Though the band’s roster has changed over the years, Solace still brings a powerhouse of talent to the stage, featuring Ranganathan on drums and vocals, Aidan O’Hare ’24 on saxophone, Luke Carlson ’27 on bass, Daniel Escovar J.D. ’26 and Kwak on guitars—with the latter also on vocals—and Kai Imaya on keys. The set also included guest appearances from Orion Cook ’26 on violin and Elena Hsu as a vocalist.

“We find a way that each member can fit in,” said Ranganthan.

Despite the sheer number of instruments on stage, Solace finds a way to make each one count.

Carlson tore through several slap solos throughout the night, the baritone instrument cutting through the mix, while Kai played the keys with classical precision, holding himself to the highest standard of quality even amid the breakneck pace.

Daniel Escovar belts to the crowd between frenzied bursts of guitar shredding. **(Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)**

Escovar made sure he couldn’t be overlooked, taking charge of the tangy twist Solace introduced midway through their set and ripping a solo that perfectly complemented the pseudo-triplet feel the drums laid down.

Saxophonist Aidan was a consistent presence throughout the night, making unconventional use of a pedal board to morph his sound to fit the space.

Solace’s guests ensured their performances left a mark, tackling classics like Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” and Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie.”

Violinist Orion, a former member of campus-grown band One Million Beers, led the Coldplay track with tear-jerking solos that harkened back to the orchestral roots of stringed instruments, complementing the song’s tragic backdrop with beautiful sound.

Singer Elena Hsu was an unexpected but welcome addition to the evening, singing on the final three songs of Solace’s set. She took on Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” closing the night with the same soulful energy she had brought to her Amy Winehouse performance just moments before. Masterful riffs and strong stage presence drew attention to the band as they wrapped the set with a spooky flourish.

As Solace’s cosmic journey came to an end, a new kind of energy filled the room.

Sisters Harumy and Ohana Miura find perfect harmony in their duet. **(Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)**

Astrakinetic—composed of returning bassist Carlson, guitarist Grant Swanson ’26, drummer Hayes Averill ’27, keyboardist Orion Rosedale ’28 and sister vocalists Harumy ’26 and Ohana Miura ’28—took the stage shortly after.

Drawing on the influences of rock and Latin American jazz, Astrakinetic opened with a deeply melodic and sensual performance of Carlos Santana’s “Smooth,” reigniting the rhythm that Solace had left behind.

Swanson, in particular, took charge of the blues and funk elements that Santana’s work demands, commanding attention on stage.

The Miuras also proved themselves capable vocalists over the next three songs—two of which were originals so polished that there was little indication they hadn’t been professionally produced. Soul, passion and depth met in the way they harmonized and navigated the stage together.

Luke Carlson handles the bass with expert ease during his solo. **(Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)**

Carlson reminded the crowd of his prowess, even two shows in, performing Incubus’ “Summer Romance” with slap-heavy, bouncy funk that echoed around Averill’s steady drumbeats.

Astrakinetic finished the night with a performance of their original piece “Minute to Midnight,” encapsulating perfectly the spaceman theme of the whole night, allowing each individual musician to express themselves—bringing the crowd to a crescendo that most certainly earned them their passage to the fictional cosmos of the evening.

This show brought the Halloween spirit to Santa Clara, engaging University students not only with their peers’ musical talent but also with the excitement of live music and the catharsis of experiencing music creation in real time, together. For those in attendance, the experience went beyond simply watching a performance—it offered a glimpse into the dedication behind the music.

“It’s so many hours of practice and rehearsal that go into this,” said Ranganathan. “There’s so much live music that’s possible. Live music itself is a very magical experience, and to be able to sit and be involved in it is such a gift.”

Orion Cook takes to the crowd, recording moments after his violin performance. **(Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)**

The Logistics

Ticket prices were around $30 online, with a student discount available at the door.

Art Boutiki is an eclectic venue with two primary rooms used during this show: a front room for drinks, check-in and merch, and a secondary room housing the stage and green room. Bathrooms were ample, and while the venue is on the smaller side, it felt fairly spacious. It’s also warm inside, so dress lightly if you plan to move around.

That said, Art Boutiki has announced its closure in December 2025, so anyone hoping to catch a show there should plan to visit soon.

The venue is roughly two miles from campus. Street parking is available, and nearby restaurants like Mexico Lindo and Five Guys are generally forgiving, as long as there isn’t a San Jose Sharks game.

I opted to drive and parked on a nearby residential street. If you plan to do the same, be respectful of the neighbors. Personally, I had no issues, but it’s best to be cautious.

For those who prefer rideshare, an Uber runs about $8 one way.