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Open Mic Night Finds
New Venue at Lancaster Campus
By Jennifer LaRue
June 25, 2010
Jack's back and the microphones are open again!
Open Mic resumed in Lancaster, this time on the Ohio University Lancaster Campus on June 18. The showcase for local talent returned after stints at several other venues and following a short hiatus. Jack Blankenship servied as master of ceremonies at he latest version of Open Mic, sharing stories and jokes as musicians tuned up for fifties, folk, rock, dobro guitar and more.
Blankenship, now a student at the campus, and Lancaster Festival Director Lou Ross discussed performance opportunities for area musicians, vocalists, poets and others six years ago. Open Mic Night was first introduced at the Lancaster Festival, with subsequent Open Mic Nights held around town through the years.
A performer of sorts himself, Blankenship approached Lancaster Campus Dean John Furlow and Jennifer LaRue, public information officer, about reviving Open Mic. Considering that the event offers another opportunity for students to spend time together and a means to encourage students and the community to share their talents, they agreed.
T.J. Grembowski and Jesse Warner, Electronic Media majors, and Nate Yates, who plans to begin his studies fall quarter, were among the first performers at this month's Open Mic -- on keyboard and guitar. Music and poetry were provided by Eric Armstrong, Jon Armstrong, Elena Gallagher, Lower Lights, Kelly McQuaid, Dan Rauch, Elaine Selby, Zach South, and Travis Whitlatch.
Blankenship stresses that Open Mic is fast paced and family oriented, with brief set ups more suited to acoustic instruments than bands.
“Your most important musical instrument is your vocal chords,” said Blankenship.
The next Open Mic Night will be held at the Lancaster Campus, as a Lancaster Festival event, on July 30, 2010, 7 p.m., in the Earl Keaton Memorial Student Mezzanine.
Each musician or vocalist will performs two selections, and poets, readers and comedians may perform for about five minutes. Performers sign in beginning at 6 p.m. and will perform in the same order. Admission is free.PHOTO: A performer at the june 18 Open Mic Night.
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