By Marisa McTighe, Assistant Social Media and Distribution Editor
Open Mic is a school tradition at which students with various talents get to perform.
The first Open Mic took place on October 18.
“The atmosphere was energetic, enthusiastic and above all fascinated,” sophomore Evan Erickson said.
Open Mic previously started at the beginning of SMART period, but this year it was scheduled to begin during break and run through SMART in order to allow more time to the performers.
The first performers were freshmen Kadin Oliva and Jaden Green, who shared their electric guitar skills. The two switched off playing short excerpts from different songs. Both were excited to participate in Open Mic.
“It’s nice to meet people who do the same things you do,” Green said.
The duo was followed by sophomore Evan Erickson, who performed “Troubled Times” by Green Day. He said the song reminded him of the attacks going on in the world presently — attacks such as the bombing at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, the London Bridge attack from June, the shooting at Las Vegas, and other places that have been bombed, robbed or shot up. He also performed “Minority,” another song by Green Day.
After Erickson, Maijah Sanson-Frey came to the stage and performed her original “Autumn Vibes.” This was quite a sensation, and her performance brought a wave of nostalgia on some in the audience from Sanson-Frey’s past performances.
While the audience showed great support and encouragement, many of the performers felt that there was more talking during performances than on previous occasions.
“You don’t have to go to Open Mic if you don’t want to,” Maijah Sanson-Frey said. “[However,] I’m proud of how supportive the audience [was] when clapping at the end.”
Petrichor, comprised of senior Iris Sackman and junior Dimitrius Brown, began their section with Sackman on electric bass and Brown on guitar and singing “Vines” by Hippocampus. They switched roles during their originals, “Nursery Rhymes” and “Workaholic.”
“It definitely felt well put-together, and I’m glad so many people showed up,” Sackman said. “It felt very supportive.”
Death metal duo 20 Eyes took over next, and lead singer junior Forest Bowden requested that the audience stand up. Bowden played guitar while his brother, freshman Jacob Bowden, manned the drums. Their first three songs were originals — “Rules,” “Bees” and “Dead Dogs,” — and their last song was a cover of “Astro Zombies” by The Misfits.
“Maybe next time we can move the tables back and have a place in front of the stage to stand,” Forest Bowden said. “I’ve had the most fun at shows when I’m up close and personal.”
For the final act of Open Mic, Ouch Pouch took the stage. Ouch Pouch consists of junior Isaiah Montemayor on bass, senior Joziah Cladoosby on guitar and vocals and drums done by sophomore Charles “Chick” Green. They played their originals “Music Thing,” “Found” and “Stone Rock Puppies.”
“The atmosphere was great,” Montemayor said. “I felt really supported on stage.”
All of the performers plan on return showings at future Open Mic events, so be on the lookout for young talent.
Anyone else interested is encouraged to sign up! Listen for information in the Daily Bulletin.