The smell of coffee warms the air as students wrapped in fleece jackets and Mississippi State pullovers talk amongst themselves on Wednesday night. Then, in an abrupt manner, a high fidelity sound gushes through the air, causing the people sitting around to shutter. A band is doing a sound check for Open Mic Night.The crŠme de la crŠme of campus artists and musicians, bohemians and sophisticates come together to drink almost unpronounceable coffee drinks, listen to live music and escape the near-freezing temperatures outside.
The Campus Activities Board is a group that organizes entertainment events for students, faculty, and community members. The Coffee House Committee, which is part of the organization, is responsible for the night’s bout, headed by Sarah Duffy.
“We wanted to showcase local student and faculty talent,” Duffy said.
As the event commences, a grinning Ashley Stringfellow announces Kimberly Craig and Rob Jackson. An acoustic guitar begins and Craig starts in with “Bubbly” by Colbie Caillat.
Following the duo is Blake Wall, with a mix of Matchbox 20 covers and original music. Wall’s vocals pierce the room with dulcet tones as his amplified guitar blends in. He sings, “Baby, baby, when all your love is gone, who will save me?” The songs “Dying Wish of a Living Man” and “Ghost” highlight his immense songwriting skills. The latter is not about being invisible, according to Wall.
One of the most profound performances is by Tyler Sholes and Wade Patterson. Utilizing an acoustic guitar and a drum, they interchange; giving each other a chance at the mic, they produce a distinct, sophisticated style that causes the crowd to listen more intently. Sholes sings with a light tone while Patterson gives a rougher, quick edge.
However, the epitome of the music of the night comes from Raymond Perrier and his band. Consisting of Perrier, Greg May, Jordan McBride and Clay Townle, the band arrives on stage after Stringfellow gives an introduction, mispronouncing the lead singer’s last name. He and the audience laugh as his friends delightfully tease him.
After a brief soundcheck, the crowd cheers in a joking manner, with Patterson yelling, “That’s my favorite!”
“It’s our first real open mic. We really don’t have a name, we’re just kind of playing,” Perrier said before taking the stage.
The group breaks into “Meet Virginia” by Train, offering fresh vocals that give Patrick Monahan a run for his money. A keyboard is added into the mix, redefining the traditional cover.
The bunch closes with “Closing Time,” which Perrier declares “fitting.”
Other performances of the night include Alex Ashford, J.D. Spencer and Adrienne Perkins with Genesis Stallings.
CAB hopes to continue the Open Mic tradition.
“There won’t be any more this semester, but we are planning several more for next semester,” Duffy said. “We hope to have many more in years to come.