The hush and laid-back vibe quickly became a far livelier one as the crowd drew in and performers took the stage at Open Mic Night’s kickoff event at McFeely’s Cafe this past Wednesday, August 28.
All mediums of artistic expression were welcomed to perform, ranging from dance and rap to poetry. However, each individual performer had one thing in common — the desire to express his or her self.
Second year student, Alan Ninan, was the first performer of the night, and he recited an untitled poem about a time when he felt out of place and how he acquired the strength to overcome it. According to Ninan, the obstacles of life are a universal theme in many of his poems and an inspiration for his writing.
“My goal as an artist is to pass the poetic torch to others and help them realize that writing is for everyone,” Ninan said. Ninan hopes to inspire others to use the hardships of life in a positive light to empower not only themselves, but also others, in the newly founded Shippensburg University Club, Writers Unite.
Following Ninan, first year student, Ruben Rosado took the stage and performed an original rap. Rosado began rapping at the young age of eight and the hobby is now a large part of who Rosado is as a person. Rosado confessed that one day he hopes to pursue a career in the music industry, and with that use his lyrical voice to influence a positive world where individuals come together to grow as a unit.
Among many other performers, three members of the Shippensburg University Heritage Dance Company represented their organization by giving the audience an on-the-spot teaser performance.
As the night went on and the number of students left to perform was dwindling, some individuals could not get enough of the spotlight and retook the stage for an encore.
Hosted by The Void, a WSYC run radio station, Open Mic Night began two years ago with the universal goal of creating an outlet for students to come together and share their talents and express themselves. The Void’s motto is, “feel the void to fill the void,” and for many eager artists and performers, Open Mic Night is the source for filling their personal void.
Open Mic Night will continue to be held every other Wednesday throughout the fall and spring semesters, from 8 to 10 pm at McFeely’s Cafe in the CUB.
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