In the warm and cozy colorful cove of Amy’s Place, a cafe near South Campus, the UB Poetry Club hosted its first open mic night outside of North Campus; students and locals of the area came together to share their stories, poems, laughter and songs.
President of the UB Poetry Club, Ana Paul, a senior studying psychology, was thrilled to host the poetry event to support a beloved local small coffee shop and to bring everyone together in a shared creative space.
Laughter and words filled the room, as they expressed their enthusiasm for each story, poem and song shared.
The walls of Amy's Place connected to another space next door, Area 54, a space wrapped with paintings of local artists, unique trinkets and coffee bags repurposed as tapestries — all resonating with the creativity that defined the space.
Neon lights glowed amongst the warmth of the mini lamps on plaid-covered tables, wrapping the room in a cozy light, the creative energy pulling you into the space immediately.
Attending an open mic can be nerve-wracking at first, especially if you’re not extroverted or a confident public speaker – but Paul made it clear that this open mic was about the freedom to share roaming thoughts and stories with no judgement.
Many of the participants included members of the Poetry Club, loyal Amy’s Place customers and students eager to share their voices, with some reading their poetry for the first time in a space that radiated warmth and comfort.
Neeraj “Nick” Gummadi, a senior majoring in computer science, shared with the crowd at the open mic that it was his first time reading his piece publicly — one that caught their attention instantly.
Paul told Gummadi, “This was your first time, but I hope it isn’t your last.”
Gummadi said he was initially nervous, but as soon as he stepped on stage, his worry went away — he felt supported.
“I was initially nervous, but eventually got in the groove,” he said.
His anxiety disappeared as soon as he hit the stage, feeling the tremendous support across the room — willing to do another open mic in the future.
Sam Carrillo, a junior computer science major and the secretary of the Poetry Club, performed a cover of “Best Part” by H.E.R. alongside Helena Lingaard, a senior public health major.
Carrillo went on to read a striking poem about current events that captured the attention of many in the room. He shared a piece titled “Do You Think a Gun Should Have More Rights Than a Human,” reflecting on current events and expressing his anger toward the government’s response to gun violence.
The event was a huge success for the poetry club, which is working to expand its reach beyond North Campus.
The arts desk can be reached at arts@ubspectrum.com
