Open Mic Night Shows Students’ Talent

Taylor Lanick, Tori Matarazzo, Laura Hoyt, Maria Sassane, and Sara Strucko sing at Open Mic Night at Dansbury Commons on September 13, 2013. Photo Credit / Crystal Smith
Taylor Lanick, Tori Matarazzo, Laura Hoyt, Maria Sassane, and Sara Strucko sing at Open Mic Night at Dansbury Commons on September 13, 2013. Photo Credit / Crystal Smith
Taylor Lanick, Tori Matarazzo, Laura Hoyt, Maria Sassane, and Sara Strucko sing at Open Mic Night at Dansbury Commons on September 13, 2013.
Photo Credit / Crystal Smith

BY CRYSTAL SMITH
SC Staff Writer

On Friday, September 13th ESU held its annual Open Mic Night that was open to all students who wanted to share their personal poems, songs, duets and even a few karaoke renditions.

Randy Light, who has been hosting the event for the last four years, was full of enthusiasm and excitement to see the talent that was displayed on stage.

From Michael Lloret performing every cover song imaginable on drums and the acoustic guitar, to Mia “Lyrical Genius” Waring performing her own original pieces, to Taylor Lanick and Tambria Lee reciting heartfelt poetry.

The night kicked off with a group rendition of Jesse McCartney’s hit single, “Beautiful Soul” from the quirky group of 5 ESU students made up of Taylor Lanick, Tori Matarazzo, Laura Hoyt, Maria Sassane, and Sara Strucko.

Continuing with cover songs, Danielle Williams did her rendition of the hit song “When I’m Gone” or more informally known as “The Cup Song” with a cup and all.

Following  was the soulful duet from Brianna Schell and CJ covering John Legend and a mix of other R&B hits. Acapella renditions of a few Adele covers were a hit as well with Quiana Adindu, Laketta Joyner, and Desiree Ortiz.

Another genre that is gaining popularity in the music world is the acapella band which can be defined as making music using only your voice and hands with a collaboration from more then one person. ESU has their very own acapella band called the Music Theater Organization. The MTO did their own rendition of Zedd’s hit “Clarity” mixed with Bruno Mars’ “Just The Way You Are.”

Following MTO’s performance was a Beyonce cover by Brittney Rollerson with a great response from the audience that filled Dansbury Commons.

Overall, the four-hour Open Mic Night was a success with ESU students taking a break from their studies to let their voices be heard. It was awesome to see and hear such talent that the ESU student body holds.

The next Open Mic Night will be held on November 8th. Check ESU’s calendar for more details!

Email Crystal at:
csmith123@live.esu.edu