Open Mic Night was held last night in the 1891 Bistro. Students interested in participating signed up for their chance to perform for an audience. Several CWU students sang songs they had written, while others performed covers from other artists or shared spoken word. The students involved talked about being able to express themselves musically and sharing their passions.

First in line to perform was G-Man Denke. Denke has attended Open Mic Nights in the past, performing at three events this year and once last year. Last night they chose to sing the song, “I Lived” by One Republic. Denke has dealt with depression in the past and felt that the song would reflect their feelings and show growth and support for others.

“All I want to do is be there for others who are hurting,” Denke said.

Denke has been writing music for the last four years. In that time, Denke has also started a peer support and connections group and used last night’s event to promote the group and a book they are writing about overcoming depression.

Before the performance, Denke said how they were looking forward to using the stage to show people who they really are.

“I’m trying to shed my depressed identity and I really just want to show them the loving side of me, the musical side of me, the baseball side of me,” Denke said.

Natalie Meléndez, a radio show host at 88.1 the ‘Burg, performed “Buy U A Drank” by T Pain and played acoustic guitar. Meléndez has enjoyed attending Open Mic Night in the past as both a performer and as an audience member.

“It’s just really fun to see all of the talent students have here,” Meléndez said. “It’s just insane how it kind of is like a community feel, where you see a lot of the same people.”

Meléndez only has a few more weeks at CWU before she graduates. Part of her reason for performing at the event was to promote her radio show, “In The Flow,” which plays everyday from 7-8 p.m. She enjoys playing music and singing for others.

“It’s always a dream of mine to just perform in front of people,” Meléndez said. “So any chance I get to do that it’s like therapy for me.”

The next Open Mic Night is May 30 at 1891 Bistro. Free sign up starts at 7:30 p.m. for anyone interested in performing.