A new semester at the University of Rhode Island means that the 193 Coffeehouse is back with more open mic nights, the first of which took place on Thursday, Feb. 8.
Located in the Memorial Union, the coffeehouse is a place where students can get a cup of coffee or tea and relax with friends. The environment that night consisted of warm lighting coming from the lamps and fairy lights, posters, bookshelves and groups of students sitting on couches and chairs to do homework or talk in. Music played in the background while coffeehouse staff set up for the event.
So many students came to watch and perform at the event that people were running out of places to sit. Some stood in the back, while others chose to sit on the floor. Everyone was facing the stage across from the counter to watch the performers.
There were about 15 groups who performed. These groups had about one to three people, with a range of experience and music genres. The first song was a sea shanty, but many of the songs following were slower-paced and more relaxing. Many songs were covers from indie artists, while others were original songs that the singer had composed themselves.
Those who sang typically used guitars or pre-recorded tracks as their musical accompaniment. Some people were regular performers at the coffeehouse open mics, while others were trying their hand at it for the first time.
One singer, wishing to remain anonymous, was both entirely new to 193 Coffeehouse and the University of Rhode Island.
“It was really fun – I had never really had an opportunity to do that before,” the singer said. “I just really like how everybody is really attentive and supportive of each other.”
This student had transferred into URI and did not know before that night what the environment in the coffeehouse would be like, but after performing they felt positively about the event.
“It just feels like everyone’s here to connect with each other, which is just really cool,” the singer said. “And transferring in from a place that was not like that… I’m just really enjoying my time here.”
The coffeehouse open mic was not only captivating to those onstage, but to viewers as well – especially those experiencing a 193 Coffeehouse event for the first time.
“I’ve never been here before, but I’m just loving it so far, it’s so fun,” said a first-time viewer, wishing to remain anonymous. “I’m not a music person myself, but it is really interesting.”
Claps of encouragement at the start and celebration at the end of the performances could be heard around the room. Some songs called for audience participation for things like singing a part to a well-known song, and the crowd was more than willing to support the performers in that regard.
The 193 Coffeehouse staff were supportive as well, greeting people at the door and showing them how to sign up, rearranging some furniture to make more room for people to sit and fostering a welcoming atmosphere for everyone in the room.
Schedules and information about upcoming events can be found on the 193 Coffeehouse instagram page (@193coffeehouse) , including paint nights, poetry slams and more open mic nights.