Photo credit: Hannah Knight
By Staff Writer: Hannah Knight
While stardom might not be within immediate reach at ENMU, you can take the spotlight and show off one of your special talents during Open Mic Night at the Greyhound Lounge. The event will take place on Tuesday, February 20th between 6 PM and 9 PM — and all students are welcome to come.
Vocal performances, such as singing, poetry readings, and comedy sets will all be showcased during the three-hour event. Musical performances are also welcomed — or any type of performance that will allow you to share your creativity with fellow students.
Open Mic Night is just one of many events hosted by ENMU’s ASAB. Students previously had the opportunity to share their favorite music with friends during Karaoke Night. That event initially drew a small crowd, but students flocked to the CUB lobby from the cafeteria throughout the night as incredible musical performances echoed throughout the building.
Songs like Aerosmith’s I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing and Rod Stewart’s Faith Of The Heart played in succession as students took turns gracing the stage with their own performance. One student’s beautiful voice took the crowd by storm as he sang Frank Sinatra and Paul Anka’s My Way, wowing audience members into silence.
These events aren’t just for ENMU’s emerging talents, however. They exist as a venue for every ENMU student to have fun, and the ASAB puts considerable effort into making events welcoming for all. If you aren’t comfortable taking your secret talent to Open Mic Night, consider doing a comedy set with friends — people will respect that you did your part to make the night fun.
At Karaoke Night, lively performances of songs like The Mask’s Cuban Pete (with enthusiastic dance to match) were just as warmly welcomed as artistic performances. And as students like Lorenzo Soliz found, the crushing anxiety felt prior to a performance simply didn’t compare to the joy and recognition found in every member of an applauding crowd.
“It was honestly fun once I got up and sang,” Lorenzo explained. “It was just the fear of being alone on the stage that made me feel scared. Once I got up there and started singing, I started to feel more comfortable and confident in the moment. It was an enjoyable experience, and I want to attend more events like it.”
As Lorenzo found out, there’s nothing to be afraid of at Open Mic Night. If you’re interested in showing off your skills, set aside your anxiety and try discovering your own performing talent. Come prepared to see what other incredible gifts other students have been hiding, and bring yourself closer to the Greyhound community.