Open Mic Night collaborates with C.A.T.S. in 'The Kaleidoscope Room'
The Sarah Lawrence community gathered to appreciate talented artists across a range of mediums. Photos by Ellie Brumbaum '17
On Thursday April 10, Sarah Lawrence students gathered in the Black Squirrel for Open Mic Night. This Open Mic Night was a unique collaboration between SLAC and student artists.
Before the Open Mic began, the Black Squirrel was transformed into a gallery with help from Creative Arts Thinking Space (C.A.T.S.) Projected on the walls of the room were videos created by Milah Libin ‘15, Tuyen Nguyen ’17, Colleen O’Connor ’15 and Jonathan Worcester ’15. Their art decorating the walls created an interactive and fun place to perform. The resulting space was dubbed “The Kaleidoscope Room.”
Nate Phillips '17 played an original song as a video installation ran in the background
In all, 11 students performed at Open Mic with a special guest comic, Ben Kling. Starting the night off was Luca Parker ‘17, with a heartfelt cover of “Love is All” by the Tallest Man on Earth. After Luca came David Krause ’17, who read an original poem entitled “You Are Not About Death.”
“I did not miss any of you over spring break,” announced Thornton Blease ‘15 when he took the stage after Krause. “Okay, maybe some of you...Maybe all of you.” Blease performed an original song called “Back at SLC” sung to the tune of “Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus.
Avinoam Henig ’17 then performed a cover of “Sweater Weather” by the Neighborhood. Next was a breakout performance by Bates Dreams, a band made up of Megan Gilbert ’15, Kelly Gilbert ’15 and Robyn Ralli ’16. They sang “Nature Song,” which was written by a group of eight year olds. “It’s deep in a lot of ways,” said Megan before performing.
Next was the stand up routine by Campbell Jackson ’16. With one nylon green pant leg rolled up, he said, “I just want to hold your hand, I just want to be your man - that was a freestyle.” Rassil Barada ’17 performed next with a cover of “Stand by Me,” to loud applause.
Brooklyn-based comic Ben Kling performed for a rapt audience
After Rassil was special guest comic, Ben Kling. Performing for around thirty minutes, Kling wore skinny jeans, a cardigan and a T-shirt with a golden retriever puppy on it.
“I got a Where’s Waldo audiobook the other day,” he joked to raucous laughter.
After Kling came Nate Philips ’17, who performed an original song and a cover of “Be Set Free” by the band Langhorn Slim. Following Philips was sophomore Monica Mednick ’16, who recited an original poem called “The Cure.” Another poet followed, Michael Brady ’17, with an original poem entitled “From Here.”
The last act of the night was Simone Jehangir ’16 with a cover of Beyonce’s “Drunk in Love.” The audience joined in, and the evening ended with a round of applause for all of the participants.
by Collette Harley '17
charley@gm.slc.edu