Open Mic concludes: Final performance night of the semester held

Student Activities hosted their final Open Mic of the semester on Tuesday, April 16, gathering crowds of students to the Academic Lawn.

The Open Mic event series is a student favorite, filling the Montview Starbucks seating area with listeners eager to support singers trying Open Mic for the first time as well as beloved returning performers. Provided with snacks and cold beverages, attendees sit in groups, supporting students joining the long line to sign their names up on the
performance setlist.

During warmer months, however, Student Activities moves the festivities outdoors so that crowds can enjoy live music and fresh air. During the final Open Mic of the semester April 16, listeners camped out on the lawn, coming as early as 6:30 p.m. to get a seat with a
good view.

“On average, our Open Mic events draw roughly 200 attendees, however our outdoor iterations see a large uptick in students attending,” event supervisor Jordan Hassler said.  “This last Outdoor Open Mic was no exception, exceeding well over 400 students in attendance.”

 

The event started with the host of the night announcing who would be performing next, who would perform after them (called “on-deck”), and finally calling the student third in line (called “in the hole”) to the Student Activities tent to check in for their performance.

“Open Mics are exciting because you can never fully predict what you might get, other than a good time. Acts of all varieties come out on any given Tuesday night so you’re sure to see something worth your time,” Hassler said. “I also love how many students come out to support their friends in their performances as well.”

Performers sang classic rock songs, ballads and other traditional favorites, such as “That’s What You Get” by Paramore and “Control” by Teddy Swims.

While the crowd seemed to get excited for those songs, there was even more excitement for students performing their original songs. One such performer, Solomon Rivers, a rapper on campus, got the audience engaged and excited while he entertained them with his own lines.

Luke Tomlin is a student videographer for Student Activities.

“My personal favorite thing about Open Mic would have to be the goofy perform-on-a-dare performances that turn into the audience’s favorite, simply because the performer is having so much fun,” Tomlin said. “I think that’s why the students love it, too. It’s such a no-judgment zone, and everybody there just wants to have a good time.”

The weekly Open Mic events have concluded for the spring semester, but keep an eye out for more weekly events happening in the fall. For more information about events on campus, follow @libertysa.

Jarnigan is the asst. news editor for the Liberty Champion