Colorful lights hung from the ceiling, creating a warm glow that filled the space, while Victoria Monet’s “On My Mama” played softly in the background, setting the perfect vibe for Mercy’s first open mic of the season, held in the Pavillion on Sept. 19.

Performers were filled with anticipation as they rehearsed and prepared for their moments on stage. At exactly 6 p.m. Zaire Smith, the host, took the mic. With two years of experience under his belt, Zaire’s dedication to creating a supportive and creative environment was evident.

“I try to create an atmosphere for artists who make music to have a community, show their music, their talent, and for students who don’t make music but enjoy it to come have fun and hang,” he shared. This vision resonated throughout the night.

The show kicked off with Kendall Joshua a senior, who set the tone with a heartfelt performance of “Love is in the Air.”

Later that evening, sophomore Akoda Ocean took the stage, delivering an acoustic piece.

“My song is about the complicated relationships between fathers and daughters,” she shared before performing. Her impressive vocal skills and ability to express genuine emotion captivated the audience.

Senior Skyla embraced the opportunity to step out of her comfort zone with a rendition of Charli XCX’s “Talk Talk”.

“I love singing and just wanted to do something big and impactful my last year,” she said, expressing her desire to make the most of her time left at Mercy.

By the time the open mic wrapped up, it was clear that the event had been a success. The night wasn’t just about showcasing the talent on campus; it served as a vibrant reminder of the creativity and sense of community that Mercy University inspires. With such a strong start to the fall season, future open mics promise to be just as thrilling.