Wenatchee High School students showcased live music and poetry in front of an unexpectedly large audience during the WHS ASB’s Cocoa Café on Jan.15.

An estimated 90 people sipped hot cocoa to the sounds of guitar, piano, trumpet, and singing in the WHS commons. This was a huge improvement from last year’s attendance of 40, according to ASB coordinator Mary Rowles, who also believes that the audience involvement also saw improvement from last year.

In total, 12 acts performed, plus the open mic segment of the event, in which performers and audience members were able to go on stage and perform.

“All of the [performers] were very talented. There were no mediocre performances,” Rowles said.

Artwork from various WHS students was also displayed.

Due to the Café’s more relaxed and personal environment, it made it easier for people to get on stage and perform, according to ASB President Drake Holiday who presented poetry and played the guitar as part of the event.

In the six years it has been held at the high school, this year’s Cocoa Café was the finest, said ASB adviser Brent Grothe.

Rowles hopes Cocoa Café will continue to be successful in future years.

“It was neat to see something like this come together,” said Grothe. “I think it’s going to get bigger and better every year.”