Free snacks, vibrant performances and an inflatable raft? On Thursday, Feb. 27, the Outdoor Program barn lit up with talented performers and excited crowd members as the UO Student Activities Board held their monthly Open Mic Night.
Students filled the unconventional space for a concert with buzzing excitement as bikes, kayaks and other outdoor equipment hung on the walls around them. The Outdoor Program generously lent their barn to SAB to hold their open mic night, in exchange for a quick plug at the beginning of the show about everything the Outdoor Program has to offer. The Outdoor Program also lent its inflatable raft for audience members to sit on during the show.
In the back, members of SAB provided students with popcorn, Nutter Butters and other snacks. They also had lots of drinks available, which was a welcome addition to the already interesting event.
UO senior Julian Sneed brought the energy as he sang “Into the Unknown” from Disney’s “Frozen,” and “Hellfire” from “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” Sneed’s excellent voice echoed through the room as the crowd cheered with excitement.
“Everyone has a good time with Disney songs. Everyone knows them,” Sneed said.
Sneed, a humanities major, started singing when he was 13. He started attending the SAB Open Mic Nights last year, and said they’ve become a big part of his experience at UO.
“When I started singing, it helped a lot with everything going on in my life,” Sneed said, referring to his experience getting bullied as a child. “It allowed me to convey my emotions healthily instead of being mad all the time.”
The night was a welcome reminder of all of the vivacity and light that UO students have to offer. The crowd was encouraging after each performance, erupting into applause and screams as soon as the songs finished.
Another memorable performance came from Zephyrine Bersaglieri, a second-year UO student studying popular music. They sang some of their original songs, which were sweet melodies reminiscent of Phoebe Bridgers or Faye Webster’s unique lyricism.
Bersaglieri transferred to UO and quickly found community and a way to express themselves at SAB’s open mic nights. They have been singing, writing their own songs and playing guitar since they were 10 years old, performing at local open mics and events in their hometown of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Singing and performing has continued to be their biggest passion well into their adult life.
“I love that I can be truly and authentically myself when I’m writing, singing and performing. I have social anxiety, and COVID made it really hard for me to be myself,” Bersaglieri said. “But, when I’m writing music, it just comes out and feels like the most authentic and real parts of me.”
Bersaglieri seemed comfortable and indeed themself on stage. They are currently working on an EP with a close friend, coming out soon on their Spotify account, @zephyrine.
Overall, the event was one to remember. Students, performers and the passionate teams behind the event came together for an evening of vibrant performances, fun surprises and free snacks. UO SAB’s next open mic will be held on March 13. Check out their Instagram for any updates @uo.sab.
