The Residential Housing Association (RHA) arranged its second open mic on Oct. 5, featuring 21 student performers. The event ran from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Black Box Cabaret with a variety of theatrical, poetic and musical acts.
One of the first performances was by first-year Mimi Ghosh, who sang a peaceful, captivating cover of “Love on the Brain” by Rihanna. Following her were first-year students Emilia England and Megan Bos, who covered songs from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Wicked,” respectively.
“Theater’s always been a big part of my life … I thought [that] I may as well sing it. I love the song, I love the show,” said Bos, on choosing to sing “The Wizard and I.”
Fourth-year Philly Kash was yet again the only comedy act, melding numerous impressions with light stand-up about his past career at Disney. Kash specialized in political material; while his Donald Trump and Barack Obama impressions were indeed comedic, his spoken word poem “One Nation Under Fraud” allowed the audience a moment of contemplation.
CSUMB’s female acapella group “Take Note” performed an impressive arrangement of “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child. The group currently has six members, with applications open until Oct. 11. Member Lili Lee returned to the stage later in the night to perform a soulful rendition of “Because of You” by Kelly Clarkson.
Second-year keyboard and guitar duo Keenan Lotts and Jayden Bocaling played a cover of “Billabong Valley” by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. The combination of Bocaling’s harsh vocals and Keenan’s command of the Seaboard made for an authentic rock act. Although Bocaling has performed at a CSUMB open mic before, it was Lotts’ first time.
“It [was] a chance to perform on stage again. It’s been a hot second,” Lotts said.
Bocaling enjoys the attention he receives from the open mics. “I would like to do it every single time it comes around,” he said.
RHA Executive Member and fifth-year Tiana McNair emceed the event. So far, she’s seen success in the open mics.
“We’ve been hitting maximum capacity these last couple times,” said McNair. She, as well as the rest of the RHA staff, hopes that the open mic events continue to be “a safe place and supportive zone for students.”
The next open mic will be held on Oct. 11 from 8 to 11 p.m. in the Black Box Cabaret.