CU talent: Open Mic Night

There is something to be said for the guts it takes to step up to a microphone and confidently showcase a talent.

On Monday night at the Wesley Chapel, an Open Mic Night drew both local acts and many talented unknowns who were ready to brave the modest stage and perform for an intimate audience.

Open Mic Night is held every Monday during the CU semester at the chapel. It is a small but cozy affair. Taking place in the wooden loft of the chapel, the room was as personal as personal can be. Few people were sitting quietly as the enthusiastic host and coordinator of the night, the Rev. Roger Wolsey, set up microphones. With genuine smiles and kind questions, Wolsey immediately crafted the playful and inclusive atmosphere necessary for an Open Mic.

More and more emboldened talent trickled into the space, slowly making it radiate with the eagerness of performance.

Local artists stopped by the event in hopes of promoting their music. Opening the show, young singer-songwriter Patrick Dethlefs, 20, said that his first song was actually written from the perspective of his dog. His folksy guitar playing and rustic, muffled voice quickly quieted amused chuckles, as the audience sat in the awe of his simplistic vivacity. The crowd was later treated to a new, unfinished song that had never been played publicly.

There were many more firsts to come. Another local singer, Heather Philipp proudly announced that for the very first time ever, she would be accompanying her voice on the piano to a live audience. Her husky, jazzy tones mixed with a pop piano sound made for a sweet addition to the mix of music.

Displaying an immense instrumental ability, Anthony Salvo (violin) and Gary Grundei (piano) took the stage to play a whimsical holiday song. Like a skillful ballet performed between dancers only goofing around behind the curtain, their precise melodies moved together with effortless bliss.

Music wasn’t the only talent that caught the audience off-guard during the night. Emily Hoopes, a 19-year-old linguistics major, recited a stunning original poem about embracing life with confidence, unafraid to be raw and poignant.

Other notable acts included technically impressive guitar and ukulele skills as well as unexpectedly soulful voices. One participant called his mother to sweetly sing “Make You Feel My Love” on speakerphone, which later caused another to call his ex-girlfriend to sing a joking anti-ballad.

Lighthearted talent continued with the final act, In Due Time. Three members from the local band performed instrumental music on drums and guitar as well as a hilarious song about impressing girls in a cool band. Grooving in a reggae-inspired live jam, they brought the night to an energetic close.

An Open Mic night is only successful if it contains talented participants who are ready to shamelessly showcase what they do best. At Wesley Chapel, people came to do just that and couldn’t have had more fun doing it.

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Stephanie Riesco at Stephanie.riesco@colorado.edu.