Sept. 3, right inside the Penfield Library, The Lake Effect Cafe hosted its first Open Mic Night of the year. Students of all majors gathered together in the cozy lounge to enjoy a night of karaoke, poetry, comedy and more. 

“Open Mic Night made me feel great about the start of the semester because of all the support from the audience,” said Katie Faulk, Freshman Zoology major. “After each performance, everyone was heavily applauded and appreciated. It really felt like it brought the community together, and made me more confident for the start of the year.”

Pizza, lemonade, stickers and vouchers to The Lake Effect Cafe were provided for all those attending. Board and card games were also available for the viewers to enjoy. The baristas behind the counter were busy with attendees sipping on their favorite Starbucks beverages and eating the cafe’s tasty pastries.

Every seat was filled with excited students singing along and supporting each act.

“Performing was a bit nerve-wracking, but the second I started singing I forgot about everything else. The crowd was incredibly supportive and kind,” Faulk said, “and I barely felt nervous at all after a verse!”

Most of the music performed was trending pop music. However, there was a mix of many other genres playing such as techno, folk, country, indie and even show music. 

Poems and stories were written and read by students with topics ranging from abstractions to running and sports. 

Original music was composed, written and performed by a number of students as well. 

Faulk attended and performed in the evening. She sang “The Giver” by Chappell Roan and was given a standing ovation for her performance. The audience was very impressed by her talent and she received many compliments on her performance afterwards.

Faulk described the atmosphere of the night. “It was so cozy and it felt like a movie scene. There was free food, games and comfy seating. The environment of the cafe itself really brought it all together.”

Interested performers don’t need to complete any pre-event registration. The signups for performances and acts are at the main table just inside the entrance to the cafe.

“If you’re thinking about singing at Open Mic Night, do it! Everyone is incredibly supportive there and it is such a fun time,” Faulk said. 

For students nervous about performing or public speaking, the Open Mic Nights are a great opportunity to get experience outside of your comfort zone and make some new friends.

Even for those not interested in performing, the event is still lots of fun to watch and sing along to. 

The Lake Effect Cafe will continue to host more Open Mic Nights on Thursdays, 7:30-10:00 p.m.