Class of 2012 hosts their final Open Mic Night

On Tuesday, October 4, the Tower Room of the Arnold Bernard Center (ABC) was transformed into Eclipse Lounge. The lights were dimmed, tiny, yet sophisticated, candles flickered from tall, round tables and finger foods were served by a male and female server and students and guests were ready for another Open Mic Night, meant to be filled with talent on and off campus.

Open Mic first began in the 1^st floor lounge of Seeley Hall and the attendance was phenomenal. Its 2^nd annual event was held in the Art Gallery of the ABC Building and demonstrated another level of aesthetic sophistication, with a wider venue and finally, "Eclipse Lounge" was moved to the Tower Room—an even larger venue, still upholding the expected style.

President of the "Elite Class of 2012" Delia Amsterdam and Vice-President and Columnist for "The Scribe" Malakhi have been the hosts of "Eclipse Lounge" since the very beginning, yet it was Eason's idea to come up with this event.

"I wanted to do something that would force the student body to think outside the box by giving them an outlet to express themselves through their talents in a no judgment zone," Eason said. "I wanted a nice location that would outdo the art gallery [and] I wanted to showcase the people on campus that usually wouldn't speak up for their talents."

Eason commenced the evening of talent, also making mention of this being the final Eclipse Lounge's Open Mic Night hosted by the Class of 2012. The evening was filled with poetry, dance, singing, instruments and more, by UB students and off-campus guests.

It was Sophomore Jennifer Zantos' first time at this event and she enjoyed it.

"It was good," Zantos said. "You never really know how much talent is on campus [until you come out and see it].

Ijeoma Akusobi is a sophomore and likes music in general, but enjoyed other aspects of Open Mic too.

"I like the beginning; the spoken word," Akusobi said. "I went [to Open Mic] last year and this year was better."

It was more than I expected it to be [and] it's sad because it was the last one; but I know we went out with a bang," Amsterdam said. "It was a joy to be able to do the last Open Mic in the Tower Room—I thank the president for granting our request. We met our expectations and I'm so happy that everyone enjoyed it."

Eason has been designing bowties for about three months and different designs were made available for students to purchase during the event..

"The thing that makes the ties so special is that they are hand crafted and created with intention to make the customers stand out," Eason said. "I want them to stand out and take over, hence the name BOWTIE NATION."

Eason made mention at the beginning of the night that all proceeds will go to the Class of 2012.    

Both Eason and Amsterdam hope that students who attended realized that expressing their innermost talent is a great thing.

"It's ok if you sing, dance or write," Eason said. "No matter what your race, sexual preference or background is, you will still be heard."

"I hoped students learn that there are different ways of expressing yourself, whether it be dance, song, poetry, or art; and I hope they took away that they can do anything they put their mind to," Amsterdam said. "They can accomplish their dreams; and that the class of 2012 puts on the best Open Mics."

"This will not be the last open Mic," Amsterdam stated. "We will be passing it down to the class of 2013; hopefully they will bring their own style to it and keep the legacy going on for years to come.

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