The Teen Arts Council (TAC) recently hosted the first Open Mic Night of the year at the Mitchell Park Community Center. The free event aimed to showcase local student talent.

TAC has been hosting open mic nights since 2010 and has generally held four per school year, according to junior and TAC member Anoushka Sharma.

“I love this event because there’s always so much surprising talent and you get to meet new people and see a wide variety of performances.” 

Senior and TAC president Nandini Relan

Open Mic Nights typically feature approximately 16 performances and host over 100 audience members, according to Relan. Performances include a wide variety of acts such as singing, comedy and poetry.

“The performances vary drastically,” said junior Olivia Brown. “Two of my favorites were a rock band and [a comedy performance] preaching about Jesus Christ. You never really know what you’ll see there, but I’d say most of the performances are singing.”

The event’s frequently large turnout and popularity are courtesy of the entertaining performances and fun atmosphere, according to Relan.

“Almost everyone who goes to these events always say something about how they can’t believe they’ve never been to these before and how much fun it is,” Relan said. “Seniors are especially encouraged [to attend] because this might be their last chance and they might regret missing it.”

The Open Mic Nights attract a wide variety of student performers, thanks to the enthusiastic and welcoming audience, according to Brown.

The supportive atmosphere makes it easier for performers and is a large reason why Brown performed at the open mic night. She sang a duet with Sharma while junior Caity Berry played the ukulele.

The supportive atmosphere helps performers showcase their talent and gain experience in a stress-free environment, according to Brown.

Juniors Derek Zhou, Annie Tsui and Robert Vetter also performed at the event, where Tsui and Vetter performed slam poetry together.

In addition to the entertaining performances, the Open Mic Night brought a unique opportunity to meet new people from around the area.

“People are able to meet other teens in the community and share their love of music, comedy, or playing an instrument which is always great.” 

Junior Anoushka Sharma

Although TAC caters the event toward Palo Alto students, it allows students from local high schools to meet and mingle.

This results in a unified and supportive atmosphere that combats the competitive nature of the area.

“[Open Mic Night] is special because you get to see Paly and Gunn come together,” Brown said.

TAC has other events in store, including another Open Mic Night this semester and an art and music festival called Buoyancy. The popular festival will take place this June, and will include live performances, food trucks and games.