NIGHT LIFE
When the sun goes down, SUUSI wakes UP!
Whether it is music, dancing, food, or conversations over coffee, SUUSI nightlife has something for everyone!
MUSIC
Cabaret: Cabaret is our nightly live music venue. It’s an intergenerational, multi-faceted, mixed bag of evening entertainment. All of the Cabaret performers, amateur and professional alike, are from our own SUUSI community. It’s about musicians, poets, actors, dancers and instrumentalists. In short, it’s all about YOU! To sign-up to perform at Cabaret, be sure to stop by the Nightlife table at check-in on Sunday or during Cabaret throughout the week!
Sunday night is the start of Cabaret with our Open Mic night directly after Ingathering. You can share a song, dance a dance, recite a poem, tell a short story or a joke. You will need to sign up in advance for this, but it is easy to do at the Nightlife table at Check-In on Sunday. Poets, actors, singers, dancers, young, old, small, tall—all are welcome.
Monday through Thursday – 9:00-11:30pm
Do you want to perform at Cabaret during the rest of the week? Many of those who perform on Sunday night at the open mic will be asked back to do sets during Cabaret on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evening. Each night’s schedule will be listed in the daily NUUS and posted outside the auditorium.
Friday: Jamboree – 9:15-11:15pm
Another fine SUUSI tradition, Jamboree is a special performance time where two or more folks who have never performed together before do so for the first time on the Cabaret stage. It’s also the time when workshops and classes get to perform. It’s amazing what can get pulled together in less than a week!
Where’s everyone going? It’s only midnight! Beginning at 12am and continuing until the wee, wee hours, Late Night is definitely worth staying up late for! If you can’t get enough music, either as a performer or audience member, check out our alternate performing space. You’ll be able to play with, sing with, or listen to other musicians on campus. All you need to do is show up!
DANCE VENUES
CACHE
Sunday 11 pm-1 am
Tuesday & Thursday 10 pm-1 am
Friday 10 pm-2 am
CACHE stands for Clean Air Clear Heads Everyone and welcomes anyone age 14 and over who loves to dance. It is a fun, self-guided dance party in an alcohol and smoke-free space. Our DJs will be playing the latest in dance music and invite any song requests that you have.
Ballroom Hour+
Sunday-Friday 6:30-8:00pm
Warm yourself up for clubbing with an hour and a half of Ballroom music and dancing. Every night will focus on one ballroom style, but you will still have a music mix with enough variety to satisfy all Ballroom fans.
Sunday through Thursday – 9:30 pm-1 am
Friday – 9:30 pm-2 am
If you are 21 or over and love to dance, people watch or relax with a beverage and friends, this is the place for you! Hear the best in dance music ranging from the 50s and 60s all the way up to current popular tunes. Our DJs play to the crowd and always try to make every ‘song one that will get you up and dancing. Song requests are welcome; our DJs will do their best to include them in the evening’s playlist.
LATE NIGHT FOOD & DRINK
Common Ground Café
Sunday-Friday – 24 hours!
Common Ground is open all day and night to fuel those middle-of-the-night philosophical discussions, let you finish your novel or sate post-dancing coffee cravings! Come hang with other night owls at SUUSI’s self-serve coffee bar.
UN-BBQUUSI
Nightlife is partnering with SUUSI Services staff to co-host late-night nourishing gatherings at the Common Grounds Space. Instead of grills, we'll use ovens, stoves, crock pots, and pressure cookers to prepare tasty treats. We'll offer these socials on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights after Serendipity. The events will happen in the lounge space outside Common Grounds on the 1st floor of Moffett dorm.
- CACHEUnlimited
CACHE stands for Clean Air Clear Heads Everyone and welcomes anyone age 14 and over who loves to dance. It is a fun, self-guided dance party in an alcohol and smoke free space. Our DJs will be playing the latest in dance music and invite any song requests that you have. This year's themes are: Candy Land (M), Halloween (Tu), Color Splash! (Th) and Royal Coronation Ball (F).
- Ballroom Dance HourUnlimited
Warm yourself up for clubbing with an hour of Ballroom. Every night will focus on one ballroom style but you will still have a music mix with enough variety to satisfy all Ballroom fans.
- Late NightUnlimited
Late night song circle
- Serendipity - Candy LandUnlimited
Dance, dance, dance! SUUSI's own dance party. Monday's theme is Candy Land! Come find your sweet-spot on the dance floor! Join us for a fun evening!
- Serendipity - HolloweenUnlimited
Dance, dance, dance. SUUSI's own dance party. Tuesday's theme is Holloween! Come have a MONSTER of a good time on the dance floor! Join us for a fun evening!
- Serendipity - Under the SeaUnlimited
Dance, dance, dance! SUUSI's own dance party. Wednesday's theme is "Under the Sea! Ships will NOT pass in the night. Come and find your partner on the dance floor! Join us for a fun evening!
- Serendipity -Color Splash!Unlimited
Dance, dance, dance! SUUSI's own dance party. Thursday's theme is Color Splash! We are all COLORFUL in our own way! It is this diversity that makes SUUSI magical. Come and shine bright on the dance floor. Join us for a fun evening!
- Serendipity - Royal Coronation BallUnlimited
Dance, dance, dance! SUUSI's own dance party. Friday's theme is Royal Coronation Ball! Looking for all you KINGS and QUEENS to dance the night away. Grab your fancy stuff and drink with your Pinky's up! Join us for a fun evening!
- Concert Hour-Reggie HarrisUnlimited
Reggie Harris is a singer-songwriter, storyteller and world-renowned song-leader who is a powerful interpreter of the global music narrative. A passionate, engaging, inspirational entertainer and concert artist, Reggie is recognized for focusing new energy on the important role of music in the discourse for inclusion and the struggle for human rights using the lessons of history as a base. As an expert on the music of the Underground Railroad and the Modern Civil Rights Movement he is at home on stage as performer, lecturer or leading discussion in seminars or in the classroom. Reggie continues to tour the USA, carrying the message of joy, unity, tolerance and peace through the powerful medium of live music. He also serves as Co- President and Director of Music Education for the Living Legacy Project, an advocacy group that sponsors Civil Rights pilgrimages throughout the South and online education seminars worldwide. For more info about Reggie, please visit https://reggieharrismusic.com
- Concert Hour-Caroline CotterUnlimited
Caroline Cotter’s sunlit songs honor the countless ways of being human. With her honeyed voice and disarmingly honest lyrics, Cotter sings about connection, nostalgia, gratitude, loss and wanderlust. Lyrics like, “Find me somewhere out on the road / Take me into your heart and into your home,” make perfect sense from a touring artist who has played over 1000 shows in 45 states and 16 countries. Cotter has released three records, Dreaming as I Do (2015), Home on the River (2018) and Gently as I Go (2023). Under the Radar magazine says her music, “brings forth an abiding sense of warmth and welcome, offering an uplifting reminder to make the most of every moment.” Everywhere she goes, her oracular songs elicit emotion and spark insight—medicine for our collective longing. As a songwriter, she’s endlessly questioning existence, spinning and weaving her worries, hopes, and joys into the fabric of her songs. For more info about Caroline, please visit https://www.carolinecotter.com
- Concert Hour-Billy JonasUnlimited
For over thirty years, Billy Jonas -- performer, singer-songwriter, composer, multiinstrumentalist, and educator -- has perfected the art of the neo-tribal hootenanny with audiences around the globe. Using voice, guitar, and industrial re-percussion, each concert is a soul-spelunking, heart healing, joy-filled journey. Billy developed his craft in the late 1980‘s as a founding member of the Oberlin College Big Bang Theory performance art collective. He refined things further in Chicago during monthly “Bangalong with Billy” shows, and subsequently in the 1990‘s as a co-founder of the funky folk* duo The Billys. He currently tours with the Billy Jonas Band, with Abraham Jam (Muslim-Christian-Jewish trio), and solo. Some ask: "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" Billy asks: “What is the sound of 600 sets of keys jingling on the downbeat? And how shall we inspire the audience to do it?” For more info about Billy, please visit https://www.billyjonas.com
- School of Rock concertUnlimited
Thursday night Concert Hour will be a performance by the Teens and YAs who have been rehearsing in the School of Rock workshop all week. Come support them, and don’t forget your earplugs, cause it’s gonna Rock!
- Cabaret/JamboreeUnlimited
Cabaret is our nightly live music venue. It’s an intergenerational, multi-faceted, mixed bag of evening entertainment. All of the Cabaret performers, amateur and professional alike, are from our own SUUSI community. It’s about musicians, poets, actors, dancers and instrumentalists. In short, it’s all about YOU! To sign-up to perform at Cabaret, be sure to stop by the Nightlife table at check-in on Sunday or during Cabaret throughout the week!
- Cabaret/Open Mic NightUnlimited
Sunday Cabaret is an open mic for the entire SUUSI community.Cabaret is our nightly live music venue. It’s an intergenerational, multi-faceted, mixed bag of evening entertainment. All of the Cabaret performers, amateur and professional alike, are from our own SUUSI community. It’s about musicians, poets, actors, dancers and instrumentalists. In short, it’s all about YOU! To sign-up to perform at Cabaret, be sure to stop by the Nightlife table at check-in on Sunday or during Cabaret throughout the week!
- CabaretUnlimited
Cabaret is our nightly live music venue. It’s an intergenerational, multi-faceted, mixed bag of evening entertainment. All of the Cabaret performers, amateur and professional alike, are from our own SUUSI community. It’s about musicians, poets, actors, dancers and instrumentalists. In short, it’s all about YOU! To sign-up to perform at Cabaret, be sure to stop by the Nightlife table at check-in on Sunday or during Cabaret throughout the week!
Night Workshops
- 525: Creating SUUSI Campfire Memories (Family Friendly)Limit 28
There’s nothing like a campfire circle for creating community! Join us for a campfire on the Sélu Nature Conservancy grounds. Bring your songs and stories as we let the fun (and marshmallow roasting) happen. Bring the kids! Children under 8 riding in a car or van must have a car seat or booster seat. Please bring it to the Nature Tent/Office 15 minutes before departure. Drive Time: 20 min one-way.
- 526: Long Way Brewing Limit 14
Long Way Brewing started with a vision: to bring a local craft brewery to Radford's West End, revitalizing the area. After much research and setbacks, an old Seventh Day Adventist church became the chosen location. Amidst brainstorming names and logos, “Long Way" was chosen for its regional significance. However, as the journey progressed, "Long Way" came to symbolize the challenging path from idea to pint glass for a small craft brewery. A member of the staff will be available to meet with us and share their story, including their relationship with the Radford Fairlawn Daily Bread. It's trivia night, so bring your thinking caps! Come and enjoy one of the many beers on tap! 10-minute drive time. Food truck on site. Bring ID and money for food, brews, and rounding up for Radford Fairlawn Daily Bread.
- 532: Sunset Horseback RideLimit 8
We'll ride into the Sunset! Join us for a twilight experience. See full description from 520, Horseback Riding Monday.
- 533: Creating SUUSI Campfire MemoriesLimit 28
Join us for a campfire on the grounds of Sélu Nature Conservancy. Bring your songs and stories as we just let the fun happen. There's nothing like a campfire circle for creating community. This is an adult event – look for the child-friendly campfire on Tuesday evening. 20-minute drive.
- 723: Evening CanoeLimit 14
Always a favorite at SUUSIs past! Come for a peaceful and serene dusk-into-night canoe trip at a new location- the SELU Conservancy on the Little River. We will paddle "downstream" (really flat water) from the Conservancy dock to the Little River Dam, located just below the Claytor Dam on the New River. We will then paddle back "upstream". Time permitting, we can walk 1/4 mile down a path to Big John's Laughing Place overlook we will have seen from the river. This is a great trip for beginners as it is flat water and we can help provide instruction in basic canoeing technique as we explore the Little River. We will takeout at the same place that we launch and there are no rapids. Approved footwear and drinking water (32oz or more) are required. Recommended: headlamp or flashlight. Drive time: 20 mins
- 624: Sunset on Bald KnobLimit 14
The trail starts at the historic Mountain Lake Hotel. A steep, half-mile climb up a fern-bordered trail brings us to the 4361-foot high knob. It's the highest point in the area, with extensive views in several directions and some interesting cliffs and rock formations. We'll pause to enjoy this beautiful time of day at the top of the mountain as we wait for the sun to set. The descent is easier following a jeep road, but will be after sunset. A flashjlight is required. This is a moderate hike for adults, but may be challenging for children. Hiking distance: 1.6 miles round-trip, with 500 feet of total climb. Drive time: 50 minutes.
- 713: Evening Downstream CanoeLimit 14
Join us for an evening float on the New River from the Claytor Lake dam boat launch to Dudley Landing at Bissett Park. There are bald eagles nesting in this section of the river and there are islands that we can navigate through/past as we make our way downstream. We will likely see a variety of wildlife as the day winds down. There are some gentle rapids just before the take out - swimwear encouraged. We suggest that you have some basic canoeing skills; basic instruction will also be provided. Approved footwear and drinking water (32oz or more) are required. Recommended: headlamp or flashlight. Drive time: 15 mins
- 352: Trivia with KurtLimit 40
Come join us for a fun, multigenerational evening of trivia. Emphasis on general knowledge and pop culture; even if you don't think you're "good at trivia" this workshop is meant for you! Kurt Fernstrom is not so great at answering trivia questions, which is why he likes to ask them!
- 361: Sip and StampLimit 20
Want to make greeting cards to give to friends, family, SUUSI or campus staff? All supplies will be provided to create several cards of your own design or following the examples provided for basic, intermediate and advanced cards, including fun fold. Amanda Howard has been making cards professionally for more than ten years and has frequently participated in the Artisan's Bazaar at SUUSI.
- 363: Intro to Neurographic ArtLimit 30
Neurographic art session boiled down to simple steps used to express your emotions. Find release on paper in a way that doesn’t matter if you’re artistic or not. This meditative art technique uses drawing to help transform emotion into art. J'nie Woosley is a mom of two amazing neurodiverse children and spends most of her time in a classroom, homeschooling, or looking up new art to try.
- 370: Exploring Virginia Hard CiderLimit 30
This workshop will explore Virginia hard cider's history, production, and state of the industry. This year's tasting menu will feature a new list of 8-10 ciders representing the spectrum from dry to sweet, from simply apple to flavor infused. Kathryn Perry has been visiting tasting rooms for over 20 years, and has introduced many friends to the variety of ciders available for us to enjoy.
- 371: SUUSI Beer TastingLimit 60
Come enjoy an evening of brUUs with us! Sample and contrast a number of local and regional varietals while learning about different styles and brewing techniques. Snack options will be provided to enhance the tasting experience. SUUSI has boasted many talented brewers & drinkers, for a long time. We're always up for sharing knowledge-& beer!
- 372: Classic CocktailsLimit 25
Get your evening started with classic cocktails, some perhaps new to you. We'll explore 4 cocktails, each with a different primary spirit. Everyone will participate in making each drink, and we'll share a snack between each drink. Devin Gordon enjoys cocktails, and he enjoys shaking and stirring things up a bit.
- 901: Pair-a-DiceLimit 1000
Pair-a-Dice is SUUSI's dedicated table-top gaming space for all ages! Check out new and favorite games from the over 200 games in our lending library all week long. Play in the Pair-a-Dice space or take the game back to your room. Pair-a-Dice staff and volunteers all enjoy teaching and playing board games to all levels of experience.
- 902: Pair-a-Dice (age 13 and under)Limit 150
SUUSI-goers 13 and under can participate in Pair-a-Dice, SUUSI's dedicated table-top gaming space for free when accompanied by a paid Pair-a-Dice registrant (age 14 and above). Please note, our games are generally aimed at ages 7 and up.
- 903: WUURTH: The Python IntegrationLimit 10
WUURTH is a world that combines fantasy gaming with our UU values; as Help-Line agents, you'll be helping refugees make a new home. This is a great place to start for people who have never played D&D before, or experienced players too. (Level 1-2) Rik Schell has been leading D&D sessions at SUUSI since 2022 and has been playing the game since 1979.
- 904: Pair-a-Dice: Meet & Greet Mon.Limit 150
Meet up with new friends with fun, easy party-style games where the rules are simple and the points don't matter. Fun games like Apples to Apples, Just One, So Clover, Wavelength, Take 5, played with fun people is a great way to start your SUUSI! Expand your SUUSI circle of friends with this free Pair-a-Dice event!
- 907: Pair-a-Dice: Tuesday ThrowbackLimit 150
Feeling nostalgic for a tried and true classic board game or childhood favorite? Come on down to Pair-a-Dice Tuesday night for throwback fun! Sample games: Rummikub, Uno, Parcheesi, Scrabble, Cribbage, Hearts. As always, our friendly Pair-a-Dice staff and volunteers are happy to teach you games and answer your questions.
- 1000: YA Town HallsUnlimited
Town Halls are times for all of the YAs at SUUSI to come together. At these meetings, staff will provide information for the upcoming week, answer questions or concerns raised, and collect feedback for improvements to the program. All YAs living in the YA dorm and/or participating in YA programming are expected to attend.
- 1003: Angel WalkUnlimited
Say goodbye to all your YA friends at SUUSI before you leave.
- 1004: YA Coffee HouseUnlimited
Do you have a talent you want to share with the rest of the YA community? Or maybe you just want to watch your friends show off their talents. Coffee House is your opportunity to share a song you have been working on, a dance you know, a poem you wrote, or any other skill you want to perform for your fellow YAs. Sign ups will be posted in the YA dorm!
- 1005: Water WorshipUnlimited
Water worship is a YA-specific Water Communion worship event, led by the YA Chaplain. If you are able, bring water from somewhere significant you have been in the last year; we will combine all of the water and redistribute a mixture of all of the meaningful places we come from and have traveled to.
- 1006: Lip Sync Battle Unlimited
Get ready to perform! This is the second annual SUUSI YA Lip Sync Battle. Come prepared with a performance or just come to watch your fellow YAs show off their talents.
- 1011: Smash Tournament (YA/Median)Unlimited
Come see who will win the ultimate Super Smash Bros battle. Will it be the fan favorite Mario, electric Pikachu, or maybe the underdog Villager. Coach your fighter as you compete in a multi stage tournament. There will be other games available for non-Smashers.
- 1025: Movie NightUnlimited
Come watch a movie with your fellow YAs! Movie to be decided at SUUSI.
- 1022: Spa NightUnlimited
Everyone needs a spa day. Come have a relaxing night after a long day of travel. We will have sheet masks, nail polish, and henna for everyone to enjoy.
- 1040: Median Evenin - Movie NightLimit 99
Kick back and relax with us for a cozy movie night! We'll be watching something fun together - feel free to bring your favorite snacks to share. Good vibes and chill energy guaranteed. Email medians@suusi.org for suggestions.
- 1041: Median Evenin - Game NightLimit 99
Let the games begin! Choose something from the DICE library and join in for some friendly competition. It's all about fun, laughs, and maybe a little chaos.
- 1042: Median Evenin - YouTube and ChillLimit 99
Let's dive into the weird, funny, and cool corners of YouTube together. Bring your best video suggestions or just come for the good company. Super low-key, super fun.
- 1043: Median Evenin - Game NightLimit 99
Another round of Game Night! Pick your favorite from the DICE shelf and jump in - no experience needed. Come ready to laugh, play, and maybe win.
- 1044: Median Evenin - YouTube and ChillLimit 99
Kick back and hang out while we watch whatever weird or wonderful YouTube has to offer. Bring recs or just vibe with the group.
- 1045: Median Evenin - Movie NightLimit 99
We're heading out to the movies this time - join the crew for a night on the town! Sign up on the flyer in the lounge with your name and number to lock in your spot. All are welcome, bring your popcorn energy.
- 1047: Median Program (Non-Housing option)Unlimited
The Median program is an age-inclusive extension of the Young Adult program. It is a space for people ages 21 and up who root their SUUSI experience in fellowship and shared experiences. It provides more extensive programming for adults and a sub-community where deeper relationships can be formed. Feel free to visit the Median page to learn more about our community: https://www.suusi.org/median
- 1048: Mandatory Median Town HallUnlimited
Welcome to the Medians! This town hall meeting will kick off our week. We'll discuss what the Median program will look like this year, work on the community schedule together, and agree on a covenant towards intentional community for the week. This meeting is mandatory, with reasonable accommodations made to anyone who can't make it due to staff obligations. If you cannot make this meeting, please reach out to the Median director.
- TWOB performanceUnlimited