Diverse performances at SUBOG open mic night

Last night in the Student Union Ballroom, SUBOG hosted the first open mic night of the year.

This event, which is hosted once a month, provides a stage and an audience for budding student performers and a fine display of artistic talent for audience members. The event was set up informally in the style of a warm and inviting coffee house, with seating at small clusters of tables and a complimentary coffee bar.

Many more students than anticipated gathered in the space, ready for the performers and prepared to support their roommates, classmates, and friends. Marvin Williams, a 3rd-semester communications and journalism major came to “see what the school has to offer talent-wise.”
The performances were diverse in style and content. Some students, like Rebecca Noelle, performed a mix of covers and her own originals. Others stuck strictly to their own creative works.

Stephen Bak, a 7th-semester history education major, was among the performers who entertained and delighted the audience with his own works. “It’s just a good way to get your name out there and get comfortable with performing, and not worry about screwing up because it’s a relaxed setting,” said Bak.

Bak, who has played guitar for two years and has been playing at the open mic series for the past year, opened the show with two original songs, noted that the experience has always been positive for him. “I did this last year. It’s fun. I’m glad to do this.”
Not all of the performances were strictly one-man musical acts. The stage was also graced by slam poets and musical duos. Songs by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Katy Perry and Sugarland were covered in a unique style, bringing to light new talent and giving a new perspective on the music. Original works dealt with themes ranging from love to religion to finding your identity, and were received with energy and enthusiasm from the vocal audience, who burst into applause after every performance.

The diversity of topics being presented kept the program interesting and fast-paced. Of the slam poets, many issues were presented in a powerful and moving manner, with performances bringing to light issues about politics, sexuality and teenage life.

Each performance differed from the previous, maintaining a creatively-charged atmosphere and an aura of excitement.

Vicky Rosario, a 5th-semester communications major, was excited by the wide range of styles presented. “I like it,” she said. “I like a lot of different music. I like voices that fill the room.”