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Christian Union's Open Mic Night
Christian Union’s Open Mic Night was held at on-campus venue Mungos Tuesday 23rd of February, beginning at 8.30pm. This event included an eclectic line up of both Christian union members and non-members alike.
The evening was peppered with unlikely collaborations and last minute performances, accompanied by a largely supportive and engaged audience. Unfortunately the unplanned aspect did lead to more than one hiccup along the way.
Nine acts performed in the make-shift stage area this included groups: Joseph Davies and Felicity Wilson; History of the Trade, Lizzie Martin and Hannah Stevens; Niccy Logan and Laurence Turpin. Solo intermissions from Michael Trimmer and Callum Donnelley and ending with solo acapella performances from Faith Victoria Allen, Tariro Mogombo and Debbie.
Firstly, Christian Union members Joseph Davies and Felicity Wilson teamed up to repeat their performance from the first Open Mic Night held in the autumn term, this saw Joseph playing acoustic guitar and a duet singing of the lyrics. As the line up was organised during the event their vibrant introduction was followed by a pause to sort out equipment. The performance seemed, at first, to go downhill from there. As it had been a while since their first performance, the first song No Room For You was interrupted by forgotten lines and stifled giggles. Fortunately for them however, the informal and friendly environment, saw audience members laugh along. Luckily the second track redeemed their short set with You Are Holy. Written by Felicity and featuring her solo vocals this song was performed beautifully and happily uninterrupted.
The second act was local band History Of The Trade, whose first track was accompanied by vocalist Cristobel and the bass guitar replaced with a glockenspiel, although for their second track they returned to their original formation for a cover of Brittney Spears’ Toxic. This change was done seamlessly and with the performance tighter it was well received.
Third in the line up saw Lizzie Martin and Hannah Stevens take to the stage. Lizzie provided lead vocals and playing acoustic guitar and Hannah providing backing vocals. This performance saw Lizzie show that she is a real talent with a cover of Rihanna’s Please Don’t Stop The Music and of Kim Walker’s How He Loves Us. This act also showed Lizzie as a devoted member of Christian Union as she used her slot to promote CU. Unfortunately her set did feature some sound difficulties as the speakers issued loud squeaking, which affected the quality of the performance.
The fourth act Michael Trimmer adopted the use of random instruments. Michael supplied an interesting and lightly comical interlude. His routine was as much about how interesting his instruments were as it was about how interesting he is. The highlight was a slow-clap of approval, which accompanied his digital segment including the Star Wars theme tune.
Regrettably the next performer was Callum Donnelley who wished to do stand-up, who, by his own admission, was drunk. Although even his replies to heckling lacked any comic value as he merely repeated back to the audience member what they had said in a silly voice. In an embarrassing but relieving end to his set he was ushered off the stage.
Unlikely duo Niccy Logan and Laurence Turpin followed this atrocity with a self confessed one-off performance. This duo featured the ever-chatty Laurence as lead singer and guitarist and Niccy on backing vocals. They lifted the spirits of the spectators with cheerful covers of MGMT’s Electric Feel and The Killer’s All These Things I’ve Done. The second track provoked another set of clapping and a sing-a-long.
Lastly a series of acapella one-off performances courageously took the stage. The first of these was Faith Victoria Allen who did a cover of Jazmine Sullivan’s Lions and Tigers and Bears. As this was Faith’s first performance, her nerves were evident but it’s likely the encouragement of the crowd would lead to her participation in the future. Next to take the stage was Tariro Magombo who decided in front of the mic that she wanted to sing I Want To Go To Heaven. Which Tariro followed with another unexpected decision to sing another song God Has Smiled On Me. This was a surprising and crowd pleasing set. Next, however, Debbie got up to perform and disappeared as quickly. Debbie’s act was a powerful, emotive and remarkable ending to the event with her performance of This is My Desire.
Despite the hiccups, the impromptu performances and friendly atmosphere are worth it. Another Open Mic Night has not been planned by the Christian Union yet.
For more information on Christian Union check out their website www.kentchristianunion.com as they do have other events such as a Quiz Night on the 23rd of March.
For more information on History Of The Trade at www.facebook.com/historyofthetrade and www.myspace.com/historyofthetrade or their single launch at Canterbury’s The Farmhouse March 1st.