By Skylar Hyslop and Kristen Azzara
A performer at WPSR's Open Mic Night (photo by Rhyse Nickerson)
Even with hints of a chill in the air, the first week of fall at Purchase was made cozier by the welcoming energy and laidback performances at WPSR’s Open Mic Night. This event had everything from impressive guitar skills and a poem about a hot shower, to performers creating their own ad libs live to their original songs.
“I love the sound quality in Whitsons and the expressive environment of the Stood,” said Lexi Louise, a freshman psychology major and first time Open Mic performer. “The entire night felt like what this campus stands for as a student body.”
The intimate gathering at the Stood on Sept 25th showcased Purchase’s talented student body. The crowd, who sat on Whitson’s beat-up couches throughout the show, consisted mostly of performers soaking in their peers’ talent while eagerly awaiting their turn on stage. Still, there were some people who only came to watch, and spent the night enthusiastically cheering between songs.
A performer at WPSR's Open Mic Night (photo by Rhyse Nickerson)
Audience member Abby Ruriani, a freshman psychology major, didn’t perform but came to the Open Mic Night in support of her friend Louise, who sang her heart out on two original songs. “Everyone’s performances were really cool and unique,” said Ruriani, who also expressed her enjoyment of the environment and the evening.
Dervygaar, a sophomore studio composition major who goes by their artist name, agreed that there was a special atmosphere that night. The guitarist and singer spoke about the warm community at Purchase. “I think there’s a great community here at Purchase which allows me to experiment with songs that I am working on because everyone is so kind and it is a great space for creativity,” they said. Dervygaar has played at WPSR open mics before and organizes their own gigs at local off campus venues. Still, they appreciate events like these. “As a music major, having this space as easy access on campus to perform is very special,” said Dervygaar.
All but one performer at the show were musicians. Trinity Ramdhan, who is an undeclared freshman, was unexpectedly signed up by her friends to read a poem she wrote following a breakup. She said that she usually sings when she performs but wanted to share a short poem this time around.
“Writing is therapeutic for me,” Ramdhan explained, while talking about her performance. “It helps me process my feelings and I use it as a creative outlet. If something comes to mind I put it in my notes app and come back to it.”
A performer at WPSR's Open Mic Night (photo by Rhyse Nickerson)
This kind of creativity and openness from the performers helped the evening run smoothly, but small mistakes are par for the course at a live music event. WPSR director David Einhorn made it easier for the rest of the performers to brush off their own mistakes by reacting to his own in a lighthearted and casual way, putting everyone at ease.
Freshmen psychology majors Sara Francis and Eleanor Kelly enjoyed the informal nature of the open mic night. The two friends didn’t know anyone performing, but they had heard about the event through Stood's Instagram account and wanted to make the most of their night on campus.
“People weren’t nervous to make mistakes, or even talk about being nervous,” said Francis, “which was something I appreciated.”
Kelly agreed. “Everyone was very kind and forgiving to each other,” she said, “just really uplifting.” It was this very quality that made them realize they could see themselves performing at one of these open mics in the future.
**The WPSR Open Mic Nights take place on the last Wednesday of every month. For more information, you can follow them @wpsr4ever or @the.stood on Instagram.
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