"I found myself in shock and awe—in a good way—when I stopped by Open Mic Night."
I’m a senior at Adelphi University and, honestly, I thought that there were few things about my school that could still surprise me. But last Wednesday [September 21, 2016] I found myself in shock and awe—in a good way—when I stopped by Open Mic Night.
Walking in a little after the start of the event, the first thing I noticed was the energy in the room. Our tiny Underground Café was packed with students, sitting and standing, eager to listen and to share. I watched as, one by one, students got up on the stage to read or recite poetry, perform music, lead freewrites and even conduct some magic.
Between performances, I had a chance to speak with Ghazal Mizrahi, a member of the Student Activities Board (SAB), the campus-based organization responsible for the event. When asked about her favorite part of running Open Mic Night, she said, “I’m in music, so I usually just see music majors perform. But it’s nice to see people from different departments show their talent—talent that you don’t realize people have.”
Open Mic Night, which occurs a few times each semester, is a laid-back experience that encourages students to break out of their shells and showcase their creative abilities. For students like Najee Hunt, a freshman computer science major, it is “an amazing feeling to be onstage sharing something that I put my heart and soul into.”
For some, Open Mic Night is also a chance to overcome shaky legs and stage jitters. Getting up on the stage, though difficult, appeared to be extremely rewarding for those like Jeorgio Llantino, who said his freewrite performance gave him an opportunity to “put my words out there and let it go, even if it’s just a small room.”
If seeing the sometimes hidden talents of your peers interests you, or if you are ready to share your own artistic abilities, check out SAB’s next Open Mic Night—the date will be announced soon.
Open Mic Night, which occurs a few times each semester, is a laid-back experience that encourages students to break out of their shells and showcase their creative abilities.
For further information, please contact:
Todd Wilson
Strategic Communications Director
p – 516.237.8634
e – twilson@adelphi.edu