An uncertain crowd of first-years slowly shuffled into The Stein Thursday night for a night of music, poetry, and of course, more free tchotchkes than they could carry. Like most first-time experiences, First Year Open Mic Night seemed destined for fumbling awkwardness, yet the event yielded a surprisingly strong set of performances. After the obligatory free-food face-stuffings, the evening performances opened with Samson Kohanski '08. In a solo guitar performance, Kohanski engaged the crowd in a medley of humorously butchered pop tunes, including such luminaries as Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy" and Jennifer Lopez's "Jenny from The Block." While far from an original concept, the performance made for a pleasant opening to the festivities. Kohanski was then joined by Greg Hodgman '10 for an extended jam session, which included a freestyle rap and an impressive drum performance from Hodgman.

The task of following the peppy opening act fell on Lindsey Sarquilla '10, who played a skillful, albeit solitary, song on the guitar. Sarquilla nonetheless held the audience's attention throughout. Some may have flinched at the prospect of yet another female singer/songwriter, but her capable voice and soothing instrumentation proved a worthy follow up to the earlier act.

In a welcome change of pace, Adam Ciminello '10 took the stage to invoke the spirit of Elton John as he proceeded to both impress and entertain the audience with his skillfully precise piano playing. Joined by Hodgman on drums and later Kohanski on guitar, the trio played an impressive set of original songs and extended instrumental passages. The crowd was clearly both impressed and captivated as it seemed that the evening's performances had reached their peak.

Given the unfortunate task of following the trio was yet another solo guitarist, Eben Cottrelle '10. After a somewhat timid introduction, Cottrelle proceeded to play a cover of Death Cab for Cutie's "I Will Follow You into The Dark," as well as two original songs. Despite a solid performance, Cottrelle's rather "emo" stylings (he took the opportunity to plug his band's MySpace page), paled in comparison to the explosive display of musicianship that had preceded him.

Rather than attempt to compete, the next performer, Tom Charging Hawk '10, chose to capitalize on the untapped market of poetry in order to captivate the crowd. Although quite a traditional approach to an open mic night, the crowd seemed interested to see how poetry would fare. Reading a set of four original poems ranging in subject from nuclear shelters to bear traps, Charging Hawk left the audience rather perplexed, but inarguably entertained.

Following the poetry reading, none seemed to have the courage to approach the microphone save for two waitresses who gave a rendition of the Hokey Pokey. And so the trio who had so entertained the crowd earlier was asked to return to the stage to conclude the night.

Overall, the evening was a engaging display of the talent that lies in the first-year class. It would be safe to say that all attending left with a feeling of contentment, as well as a free shirt, color shifting mug and tote bag.