University Libraries’ Performing Arts Library at Kent State University hosted its Open Mic Lunch on Nov. 1, where students and university community members came together to showcase their talents and connect through live music. Held once each semester, the event offered a welcoming space for students to perform and share their work.
The Open Mic Lunch has been a part of campus life since 2011, giving students a chance to perform outside of formal recitals and in a more relaxed setting. University Libraries Professor Joe Clark, who serves as the head of the Performing Arts Library, organizes the event each semester.
“For a lot of students and even community members, it’s an opportunity to share their performances, whether it’s poetry, music or drama,” Clark told Kent State Today. “These musicians need to experience different settings, and the acoustics here are different from a concert hall, so it’s a good learning experience.”
Attendees were treated to lemonade and cookies as they enjoyed the live performances. This semester’s lineup included a string quartet, guitar and vocal acts, a jazz duo and a trombone choir.
Phoeby Trask, assistant professor at University Libraries and a public services librarian, said she was enthusiastic about this semester’s turnout.
“We have performers we know about, but sometimes people just show up, so I’m excited to see who walks through the door,” Trask said. “This is a chance for students to perform in front of people they don’t know. It’s a safe place to practice and get experience.”
Zachary Ritzenberg, a senior music major who focuses on jazz in the College of the Arts, performed at the event as a pianist in a jazz duo.
“The fun thing about jazz is the spontaneity,” Ritzenberg said. “Events like this give people the chance to express themselves, meet other musicians, and see who else is out there.”
Matthew Cotter, a senior mathematics major in the College of Arts and Sciences who also studies Jazz, performed as a trumpeter in the jazz duo. Cotter told Kent State Today that the event was a great opportunity to try something new.
“It’s my first time here, and I’m having a great time. Everyone’s performing their own niche,” Cotter said. “It’s important that events like this happen on campus so people have a place to express themselves.”
Clark and the Performing Arts Library staff are looking forward to the next Open Mic Lunch, scheduled for early April.
“These events give musicians a space to play, rehearse and share their work with others,” Clark added. “It’s great for students to practice performing in new settings and helps them prepare for a range of future audiences.”
The Performing Arts Library at the Center for the Performing Arts continues to be a valuable part of campus life, offering a supportive environment for creative expression and community connection.