By Britney Lopez
CCC Journalism Program
BLACKWOOD – Camden County College hosted its second Open Mic of the semester for students, staff, faculty and community members on Nov. 22. The event was organized by the arts department of the college.
Organizer and host Amy Tighe said, “Open mic events were a combined effort between (Professor) Michael Billingsley, (Professor) David Downham and I. We just wanted to bring more community effort to CCC and bring the community together.”
Tighe and CCC members helped set up. Equipment such as a keyboard, microphones, guitars, amplifiers and a drum set was provided. Lights and background tracks were also accommodated.
The event took place at CCC’s Little Theater in Lincoln Hall. Food and drinks were provided for those who came. A projector displaying a graphic with colorful strobe lights and the words “Open Mic” in a large size was the background of the stage.
Performers had to sign up here in advance for slots. Each act was given around 10 minutes to perform, ranging from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. for this open mic event. An email address, first and last name were required to confirm a time slot.
Preston Claybourne, 30, was one of the four acts of the afternoon. Preston performed various freestyle songs he wrote, accompanied by beats he created on his phone using the GarageBand app.
Preston’s “Something for Your Mind Part 1” was a mixture of hip-hop and jazz, heavily ’90s influenced. “The song is about growing up and becoming who you were meant to be, not what your so-called friends want you to be,” he said.
As a second-year audio recording and music production student, Preston wasn’t new to being on stage. “I performed in many talent shows before, Apollo Theater’s ‘Amateur Night’ and open mics at Philly. I like to get involved so I can be better,” he said.
Audience members’ clapping served as an extra instrument during Preston’s performance. A few watchers were recording and taking photos.
Tighe said, “The turnout was low but more people are coming to perform and more talent is being seen since the first production of open mic.”
Arts coordinator Cara Horner performed a rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Want to Dance with Somebody” with Billingsley on keyboard.
Tighe performed as well, stating she hadn’t sung in a while, her version of “Me and Bobby McGee” by Janis Joplin, with Billingsley on keyboard.
The last performance was by student Corey Avery, who performed “When We Were Young” by Adele.
As to what she hoped performers took away from the event, Tighe said, “I hope they feel more comfortable performing in front of an audience.”
The next open mic event is being planned for mid to late March.