Open Mic Night at the Maintenance Shop is a unique opportunity for Iowa State Students to showcase their talents and get familiar with being in front of a crowd. The atmosphere is welcoming and supportive of all acts, from comedy to vocal performances.
On Tuesday night, there were many returning acts, but also a few first-timers. If you have an itch for the stage, whether you’ve wanted to return or have never done it before, consider performing at Open Mic Night.
Tonight’s musical performances had singers with acoustic guitars, bass guitars, original songs, a musical theater background, a bass vocalist and a singer who performed stand-up comedy for the first time. Everything from Hamilton’s “You’ll Be Back” to an original song, “Greece It Up,” by Iron Daisy.
During a gorgeous rendition of an Alicia Keys song, audience members raised their phone flashlights and light danced all around the room to the singer’s beautiful vocals.
There were multiple comedy acts, each with their own unique style. There was a teacher-by-day, comedian-by-night act who wanted to perform again after a year off and conversely, a first-timer who decided to try stand-up comedy during the show. You’ll never know what you’ll find or what interesting (and maybe slightly illegal) story you’ll laugh at.
“I’m a regular here,” Kyle Holtan, a senior in actuarial science, said. “We get a lot of singing and a lot of comedy, lots of genres of both, but it’s always a good time.”
They reflected on the growing crowd size, which amps up the energy in the room and makes it more fun for everyone.
“I just always loved singing,“ Holtan said. “This is a good place to do it.”
“It’s something that I do for fun,” Tori Bienfang, an undecided junior, said. “I didn’t know that I could sing until like a year ago. I was asked to sing for some friends, and they were like, ‘Hey, you could actually do this,’ and so I came to my first open mic night two weeks ago, and it was really, really fun, and it felt great to get that positive feedback.”
Bienfang was passionate and assured that she’d be back to perform again.
Repeat performers are common at the Open Mic Night shows because of the welcoming environment to showcase their talents.
If you’ve never been to the M-Shop, this is a great idea for a first-event experience. The environment is relaxed and enjoyable for a late Tuesday night, and everybody is ready to have a good time. It’s a great way to meet new people and new artists and connect with your fellow students.
At the next Open Mic Night, wear your best Halloween costumes and compete for the best outfit.
For more information on the next Open Mic Night, click here.
