IUS students perform at monthly open mic event

Both original songs and covers of songs were performed at the event hosted by the Campus Activities Board

Dustin Kiefer, Staff Reporter
January 29, 2020

Students crowded the lobby of University Grounds Coffee Shop while members of the Campus Activities Board set up the open mic event. Open mics are now held once a month. Emily Tobly, the president of CAB, said students who are interested can email the CAB at iusoutheastcab@gmail.com if they are interested in performing. Students are also able to sign up to participate at the event.
Jazz Strope, a graphic design major, opened and closed the event by performing two original songs accompanied by her ukulele. One song was about being in a small town and your voice being drowned out. The second song was about how it is okay to not be with someone.
Jacob Howard, an English literature major, performed a cover of “Katie’s Song” by Caleb Engstrom. Howard said that he has participated in multiple open mics. This time his brother Josh Howard, a computer science major, recorded his performance for their family.
Chris Brown, a secondary education major, performed an original song titled “You Will.” This is his second open mic. He has been writing his own songs since high school. He has only recently gained enough confidence to share his music with others.