Open Mic

Posted by Sara Malinowski in Creative Writing

Music met the written word on Feb. 11—the first open mic night of the semester. Katie Johnson, who hosted the event as the head of Student Writers Association, explained, “While Open Mic’s main purpose is to provide a space for creative writing students to read and share their work, it is also a Cabaret-like event where students of all departments are welcome to express themselves through any mode of performance.”

Katie Johnson hosted open mic night. She is the head of Student Writer’s Association.

Having gone to numerous readings in previous years, this was certainly a fresh take. The readings, as usual, were lively and differed greatly by author. The music—showcasing piano, drums, guitar, and improvisation—was entirely new to me. A new student introduced as G-4 played such a stunning piano piece that it seemed to expand eternity, but never go on long enough. I found myself watching the felt hammers hit the steel strings; the reflection bouncing off the propped piano top. The speed of the keys was perplexing next to the clarity of sound.

In a notable double feature, Joel Ortega read, with slow, sensuous care, a story about sitting in a waiting room; he then played guitar with Caitlin Brothers on vocals, who also ran sound for the event. Another band, introduced as Julian, Donny and Jenel, played a piece with drums, electric bass and jazz-esque vocals that was entirely improvised. It moved from a steady beat, built into a crescendo with harmonious riffs, and then settled back down again for its conclusion. Katie Johnson read with delivery equally as lush. Her poetry was biting compared to the multitude of poets who also read. Bailey Schaumberg’s work showcased the peculiarity of everyday life, and Jessica O’Brien kept it wonderfully short and sound-based.

On the comedy front, Curtis Mueller was his usual self, reading a short story about the prestige and talent needed to work at a gas station. Cory Berezow performed a hilarious bout of stand-up. As someone who could never get up and do the same, I found it to be both a courageous act and a great change of pace.

All in all, the first open mic night was varied and inspiring. Open mic will be hosted once a month by SWA.

Promotion is spread through flyers and Facebook.