Haley Curl

Sign ups for Open Mic Night began at 7:30 p.m. on April 9. There was no shortage of enthusiasm from Central’s various artists, which explained the line that extended out past the sign up table and to the information desk.

While the audience gathered, artists practiced warming up their acts and vocal chords.

Britany Decker, sophomore broadcast journalism major, was just outside of the SURC doors practicing her rendition of Hallelujah.

“I always practice before a performance,” Decker said. “It helps me get into the emotions of the song.”

Decker believes that Hallelujah is an appropriate song for any life problem, which is why she chose to sing it.

“Without it having to be religious,” Decker said. “It makes you feel understood.”

Ellen Nevin, junior chemical engineering major, took a different approach to preparing for her performance. She sat in the SURC pit with friends, holding her guitar and relaxing.

“It’s just me and my guitar,” Nevin said. “I’ve been at every open mic night for the last three years.”

Nevin said her favorite part about performing is the connection she can make with her audience.

“It’s such a hard connection to make with a stranger,” Nevin said. “but music can do that.”

Haley Curl

Crowds began to pile into the SURC pit. By just after 8 p.m. the area was overflowing, causing students to take chairs from Cat Trax and sit in the main walkway.

The night opened with a ballad from Josh Osborn, senior double sociology and political science major. His performance had many audience members swaying along with the piano melody.

Comedians, poets and musicians alike took turns moving the audience, whether with their beat or with their words.

Comedian Nathan Strecker, junior global wine studies major, has been performing every week since Fall quarter 2014. Hosts of the show said Strecker has only gotten funnier each time he performs.

“I really just enjoy the crowd at central,” Strecker said. “I’ve performed in Portland, back in high school, and the crowd here is second to none. I really enjoy them.”