A large crowd packed the Pioneer Haus on Nov. 11 for Veteran Open Mic Night. The event, sponsored by Campus Programming and Relations, gave students, staff and faculty the opportunity to share their talents through a variety of performances.

Photograph by Tyler Stieber


Freshman civil engineering major Jake Gregerson sang and played guitar at Open Mic Night.

Communication Technologies Department Chair Art Ranney, along with a fellow band member, started the night off with a performance of Tom Petty’s “Last Dance with Mary Jane,” and continued to amuse and interact with the crowd as the emcee for the night’s event.

Audience members were entertained with an array of performances at this month’s CPR event.

“We have seen everything from guitar solos to poetry readings,” said CPR Event Producer Kate Olsen.

Students performed guitar solos, songs, comedy and readings, including freshman Shawn Henning’s interpretation of Lady Gaga’s song “Poker Face.”

“This was my first performance at Open Mic Night and I was nervous, but I think the crowd found it funny and entertaining,” said Henning.

Melissa Schmitt, junior business administration major, said this was her first time attending Open Mic Night.

“I was surprised so many people came and participated,” said Schmitt. “The acts were really good and everyone seemed to really enjoy it.”

Aaron Beyersdorff, a senior engineering and physics major, said he enjoys participating in Open Mic Nights.

“I have performed in over a dozen Open Mics during the four years I have been at [UW-Platteville],” Beyersdorff said. “Performing here is an easy way to get your foot in the door and gives people a taste of your talent. It’s also a good opportunity to see a cross of people and their different performances and talents.”

Friends Jake Gregerson and Grant Daniels, both freshmen engineering majors, made their Open Mic debut at last Wednesday’s event.

“We wanted to perform at an Open Mic Night event earlier this year, but we never got the chance,” said Gregerson.

Gregerson, who enjoys singing country music and playing guitar has performed for crowds in the past, but was excited to make his first appearance at the campus event.

“I like performing because it’s a good hobby and something I can always do,” said Gregerson.

Campus Programming and Relations will host the next Open Mic Night on Wednesday, Feb. 3 in the Pioneer Haus.