By Anthony Binas
Students perform “Imagine” by John Lennon.
On Sept. 30, the UH Maui College Music Club held the first open mic event of the Fall 2015 semester. With an emphasis of community, the event has quickly become the club’s trademark event.
Held in the Student Lounge within the Pilina Building with more than 150 attendees and close to 30 performances, the open mic featured the most diverse cast of talent the event’s short history has seen.
“Usually performers are allowed to do two or three songs,” said Shekinah Perry, a student and emcee for the event. “This time, you were lucky if you got to do more than one.”
The backbone of the operation is UH Maui College music instructor Keola Donaghy, who provides all open mic events with equipment and soundboard.
While open mics are traditionally a musician and poet’s household, the Music Club welcomes groups of any variety: dance, skit, standup, drama and more. “We want to represent all kinds of local talents,” said Alison Iga, the club’s president.
More importantly, the open mic is advertised as a communal event. Attendees are encouraged to bring in family and friends to help support the local acts. Offering drinks and food at no cost, the Music Club is adamant about providing a free and family-friendly environment. “It wouldn’t make sense to try to charge an admission fee,” said Karyn Sarring, adviser of the Music Club. “This event is for everyone.”
Advertising has been a struggle for the club, and although the event had met a satisfactory attendance, the Music Club wishes to achieve “must-see” status for the open mic night.
Join the Music Club for the fall semester’s final open mic event on Nov. 18, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Student Lounge.
