Smoothies, cookies and music are three important ingredients to cook up a successful Open Mic Night. Friday’s had just the right amount of each to bring in plenty of students in the evening to listen to fellow students to perform.
Any Milligan student — traditional or from the graduate program –can sing or perform in the monthly events hosted by the Campus Activities Board. In the fall, there tend to be more events than the spring semester due to nicer weather, but the SUB offers plenty of space and seating for those who venture out during the spring semester.
“We want to create an atmosphere where students can come carefree, enjoy some food and just relax,” senior CAB member Diana Raymos said.
Matthew Richardson was the first of four performances that night, and he introduced himself as ‘Matthew from across the street at Emmanuel’. Sophomore Adam Wall followed with “Oceans” by Seafret, though Wall has performed an original song or two at past Open Mic nights.
For some students, this was their first Open Mic performance. Other students, such as senior Eric Meadows, perform often and enjoy serenading attendees through vocals or instrument.
“I had a guitar teacher that told me that the only way that I was going to get better is to perform,” Meadows said. “I come and play and sing in as many of these as I can.”
Meadows sang in the last act on Friday night accompanied by several other students. One of which was junior A.J. Trabold who also had a solo drum act just before taking the stage with Eric.
Trabold used only a drum set and a bell to make music that left students wanting more. After all of the performers had finished, the remaining audience called him back on stage because they were fond of the smooth and fun rhythms that he created using so little.
After Trabold’s first performance, sophomore Jarod Blazo said, “There was so much going on but he made it seem like nothing.”
The four acts that played made for a short night, but each one was met with praise and appreciation from students along with comedic commentary from junior Gibson Mills as the Master of Ceremony.
The next Open Mic Night has not been scheduled, but check Milligan Today for the last ones before the end of the semester.