Three hours of acoustic bliss. John Gorman, a Senior Psychology major, gives a stellar performance Saturday night at Stimulance coffeehouse.
        Confidence exudes from him as he entertains the audience with his numerous original songs and quirky humor. An open mic night veteran, this Buffalo and Utica native impresses the audience during his first solo show.
        “He’s definitely gotten better, he seems more confident,” says Lindsey Gorman of Brockport, no relation.
        Gorman’s gentle and pleasant vocals are similar to those of John Mayer, taking an apparent influence from artists like Dave Matthews and Jason Mraz. The soothing sounds of soft rock and pop wafting within the purple and red walls, carry into the moonlight.
        “His soaring vocals, combined with his rhythmic melodies creates an ambience reminiscent of John Mayer, but with talent,” says Josh Klemm, a Freshman Psychology major.
        Constantly smiling, Gorman retells the highs and lows of his college life to his peers. Singing about past relationships, intimate experiences, and broken hearts, Gorman conveys a relaxing, informal disposition throughout each set.
        Gorman’s enchanting songs and friendly demeanor even had a few audience members mesmerized.
        Clad in a preppy-surfer style ensemble, Gorman keeps the crowd happy by playfully serenading the audience in Spanish.
        “Party Johnny has come back,” warns Gorman. Later lightening the mood with the Cody Chestnutt classic, “Look Good in Leather,” Gorman gets crowd participation through a little bit of dancing.
        “This song makes people happy, like most of my songs, except the ones that make people sad,” says Gorman of his song “Rutter.” Gorman’s walking contradictions and fleeting sarcasm are charming. “I’m more ghetto than he’ll ever be,” says Gorman in reference to a request for a 50Cent song.
        Groovin’ on stage to “Star Without a Sky” and mesmerizing the audience with the astounding melody of “Silence of 1000 Words,” Gorman shows his talents include more than just singing and playing guitar.
        Always up for a good laugh, Gorman cannot resist jabbing one at Buffalo. “This song is called Drew Bledsoe sucks and the Bills need a new quarterback.”
        Of course it’s not all perky songs for Mr. Gorman. “Leave the Light On” is a much softer, melancholy song comparable to the mellow songs of Hootie and the Blowfish. Along with “Leave the Light On,” “Sandcastles” features serene, touching lyrics. “Dream little dreamer, dance the night away, dream little dreamer, tomorrow is your day.”
        “No Regrets,” a favorite amongst the females, exemplifies everything that is great about Gorman’s music. One of his few songs that incorporate the theme of youthful freedom and carefree days, “No Regrets” could be not only a single, but a motto for Gorman.
        Smooth like a mocha latte, yet strong and vibrant like a chai, Gorman’s music meshes well with the coffeehouse scene.
        The quaint and laid back atmosphere of Stimulance only enhances Gorman’s performance. The crowd, which ranged from only a few couples, to a rambunctious gathering by midnight, was more than pleased with the experience.
        “Johnny had an excellent vocal range and is an excellent performer and I would recommend him to anyone,” says Chris Woll, a Freshman Exercise Science major.
        John Gorman can be seen playing at numerous coffeehouses in the Buffalo area, with hopes of expansion in the future.