The first Open Mic Night of the academic year was held Wednesday, Oct. 10 at the Pioneer Haus in the Markee Pioneer Student Center. University of Wisconsin-Platteville students came out to participate and watch the event put on by Campus Programming and Relations (CPR).

“Open Mic Night is to encourage student involvement and is a way for our students to showcase their talents,” said Derek Olsen, a senior event producer for CPR.

The evening was off to a slow start due to some technical issues with the sound system, but it picked up shortly after 7:20 p.m. Some of the genres of music displayed were alternative rock, country and original music and poetry by some of the students.

“Performing here is beneficial because it gives me the opportunity to get better in front of a crowd,” said Chas Spangenberg, a senior civil engineering and math student who performed.

Olsen also said that the crowd tends to be small for the first few shows, but fills up the Pioneer Haus by the end of the academic year. He also said that Open Mic Night isn’t just limited to singing or playing instruments. Students can read poetry, provide comedic relief or whatever other talents they might have. The event tends to run on a first come first serve basis. Students can sign up ahead of time for a slot to perform, but CPR prefers students sign up the night of the event.

“Open Mic Night is fun to attend. It’s something different to do on a Wednesday night,” said Abbey Heiar, senior media studies major.

Not only does Campus Programming and Relations put on Open Mic Night monthly, but they also plan other events like this, such as karaoke night and hosting professional performers.