The first adjective that comes to mind when I think back on the Open Mic event this past Friday is "remarkable." The event was laid-back, unassuming and intimate despite the stately venue it was in. What was Open Mic, exactly? It was an hour-and-a-half long event that was held at the Slosberg Music Center this past Friday and hosted by Concert Program Manager Shawna Kelley (MUS). I suppose I've romanticized open mic events from watching far too many movies-I've always imagined them taking place in beaten-up coffeehouses with round tables and a huge stage with a drummer in the back ready to assist a spoken-word poet. In actuality, this event took place in the Slosberg Recital Hall, with rows of chairs that ascended toward the entrance, and, unfortunately, no poets recited any verses, but there was an abundance of talented musicians. So, initially the event was a bit different than I had anticipated; but this notion was quickly forgotten once it started.As I walked into the hall, the first thing I saw was this huge, abstract organ on the stage. Second, I saw the stage. It had all of the fixings: a piano, guitar stands, amps, music stands and the stellar organ. The event, consisting of 11 acts, began promptly. Before the first act even began, honestly, I was a bit scared that since the venue was so spacious, all of the performances would feel lost in the space of the empty seats, which would be a shame, since the performances were great. But as the first performer, Paul Martin '11, went onstage, looked up toward the back of the hall and said, "This is impressive," my fears were immediately assuaged, and I knew it would be a great time of sharing music without judgment or reservation. Martin, in a pink Brandeis Superfan tee, performed a more traditional, understated cello piece that eased the audience into the Open Mic.

There were also a number of other fantastic instrumental performances. Alexander Lang (GRAD) performed a piano piece, and Prof. Eric Chasalow (MUS), who playfully said that when he was younger, "All [he] wanted to do . was play a guitar," performed a guitar solo. Daesik Cha (GRAD) performed pianist Franz Liszt's "Dream of Love," a piece I particularly enjoyed because of Cha's acute movements and sense of control over the keys.

In addition to the instrumental acts, there were some real standout performances that included just a voice and a guitar. The first came from Drew Flanagan (GRAD), who performed three songs: Devendra Banhart's "The Body Breaks" and two original songs titled "Over the Hill" and "Island Song." All three were sung timidly and earnestly, but Flanagan's two original songs stood out the most. "Over the Hill," a reserved love song, was calming and reminded me of a sunny day. "Island Song" was also on the slower side, but it gradually built into a solo that matched the turmoil conveyed in yearning for a woman. The song ended on a bittersweet note as Flanagan sang, "I am an island in your lake, a den about to break."

Another strong performance came courtesy of Peter Lane (GRAD), who performed earlier with fellow grad student Andrew Davis, Chasalow and his wife, Barbara Cassidy. Lane played two original songs: "Take Me Inside" and "Dreaming in Color." The songs were quick and assertive, but the content of the songs remained emotionally sensitive, as they were clearly addressed to a significant other who is changing him for the better.

Other acts included a really fun, medieval-sounding opera piece performed by Jared Field '11 and Amelia Lavranchuk '12, who were using Open Mic as an opportunity to practice for their semester-end recital; an original song by Ellie Ann '12, titled "Hopeless Woman" (which can be found on iTunes); a haunting original song titled "In My Dreams" by Jennifer Edwards '13; and a unique a cappella performance by Frances Noone (GRAD), who sang two Irish folk songs titled "Fields of Athenry" and "Through the Fair."

Open Mic was a memorable event. It was an hour and a half well spent listening to rousing performances that were offered so willingly. I felt honored to hear the performers' innermost thoughts and feelings and to experience the talent they had to offer. If you have the opportunity, I suggest you go to the Music department's next Open Mic event on Oct. 22.