Ashley Wulf

For the first time this year, the University Program Council is hosting an Open Mic Night on April 16 at 7 p.m. in Jacks’ Place.

According to Katie Fritz, a senior graphic design major, Open Mic Nights are held to give students a chance to show their talents.

“The purpose is to give students on campus with talent a venue to exhibit their talent on campus,” Fritz said. “We have an intimate, coffee shop-type atmosphere down in Jacks’ Place.”

Sophomore music merchandising major Jada Joseph also thinks that students will benefit from the opportunity.

“I think it’s important because there are a lot of talented people on campus, and this is a time for them to show everyone that they can play a musical instrument or sing and showcase a talent that they have,” Joseph said.

Senior Kyle Beck, a media production major who has performed at past events, said the atmosphere is ideal for student artists like him.

“I play guitar, sing and write my own songs,” Beck said. “When the campus does something like this, it’s a nice setting because your friends can go, and it’s a nice and relaxed atmosphere. There are not too many opportunities in Brookings to do stuff like this. When you play an instrument or sing, this is the kind of thing you like to do because other people get to see what you’re working on.”

Fritz said the atmosphere will be great for performers and audience members.

“It’s going to be a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere – not a formal atmosphere,” Fritz said. “It’s a good event to attend, especially at the end of the year.”

Fritz said that people like Beck are typically the type of performers they have, but they are open to new talent.

“We have a lot of singers, songwriters, guitarists and pianists,” Fritz said. “We haven’t had any poetry, [but] it would definitely work.”

Beck said that Open Mic Night would be perfect for students who are new to performing.

“It’s about as low-pressure a place as you can do,” Beck said. “It’s good for experimental types of stuff. You may have never played before in front of people you don’t know, and it’s a good place to test those waters.”

Joseph said student should attend to relax and see what their peers are up to.

“I think that everyone should attend to show support for their fellow students,” she said. “It’s a good way to relax after a long day at school.”

Beck thinks it is important for students to attend to experience other people’s talents.

“I would really encourage people to go,” Beck said. “It is a lot of fun. You can go and listen to what your peers are doing with their creative juices. You might be surprised; there might be somebody you sit next to in class.”

Something new to this Open Mic Night is the inclusion of a caricaturist.

“We had her when we had the convocation, and we’re having her back to give Open Mic Night something extra,” Fritz said. “It’s free, but you’ll have to wait in line.”

According to Joseph, signups started March 31, but students interested can sign up until April 15 at 5 p.m.