Spring Break
Maya to host more 'Open Mic' events
Kari Sweisford
Issue date: 11/30/07 Section: News
Drexel's Literary Magazine, Maya, held an "Open Mic" event on the steps of Behrakis Hall Nov. 19 to promote the publication.
The event had a large audience; some students said they heard about it earlier, while others stopped to listen while passing by. Normally, Maya only holds one event at the end of the year to celebrate their publication. This year, they plan to hold one to two "Open Mic" events per semester.
The event featured Theodora Marcantonis as the master of ceremonies and one of the performers.
"We had a good turn out, but it was hard because it was right before Thanksgiving," Marcantonis said.
Other performers included Don Riggs, professor of English and philosophy, and Ian Micir, a senior majoring in English.
During the event, Riggs recited some of his original poetry. Two years ago, Maya invited him to perform at their annual end-of-year event.
"Maya is a good opportunity for Drexel students to get published," Riggs said.
Micir performed three songs that he wrote. Two were a Father's Day present, and the third was entitled "She AIDS me when I'm blue." Although Micir claims to have messed up, Marcantonis said his performance was outstanding.
The event was open to students and faculty, and individuals were also allowed to perform during the event without prior registration.
Among the impromptu performers was a Creese information desk employee who decided to read some of her poetry. She was not able to leave the desk, so the microphone was brought to her.
"[The event was a] wonderful example of creative serendipity with a core group scheduled and others came and joined that were inspired to linger," Paula Marantz Cohen, professor of English and philosophy, said.
The literary magazine hopes that through the "Open Mic" events, Maya will receive more exposure among Drexel's student community. Maya's advisor, Kathleen Volk Miller, said that not many students outside the English major know about the publication.
Maya has been in production for over 40 years, but was dormant for a few years and started again three years ago, according to Volk Miller. Each year more people join, but there are still only a few students involved.
This year, the winner of the Week of Writing will be published in Maya and invited to perform at the end-of-year event, according to Marcantonis. However, anyone can submit their work to Maya.
Maya publishes towards the end of spring semester each year; the magazine's content includes poetry, prose, fiction, non-fiction and photography.
The event had a large audience; some students said they heard about it earlier, while others stopped to listen while passing by. Normally, Maya only holds one event at the end of the year to celebrate their publication. This year, they plan to hold one to two "Open Mic" events per semester.
The event featured Theodora Marcantonis as the master of ceremonies and one of the performers.
"We had a good turn out, but it was hard because it was right before Thanksgiving," Marcantonis said.
Other performers included Don Riggs, professor of English and philosophy, and Ian Micir, a senior majoring in English.
During the event, Riggs recited some of his original poetry. Two years ago, Maya invited him to perform at their annual end-of-year event.
"Maya is a good opportunity for Drexel students to get published," Riggs said.
Micir performed three songs that he wrote. Two were a Father's Day present, and the third was entitled "She AIDS me when I'm blue." Although Micir claims to have messed up, Marcantonis said his performance was outstanding.
The event was open to students and faculty, and individuals were also allowed to perform during the event without prior registration.
Among the impromptu performers was a Creese information desk employee who decided to read some of her poetry. She was not able to leave the desk, so the microphone was brought to her.
"[The event was a] wonderful example of creative serendipity with a core group scheduled and others came and joined that were inspired to linger," Paula Marantz Cohen, professor of English and philosophy, said.
The literary magazine hopes that through the "Open Mic" events, Maya will receive more exposure among Drexel's student community. Maya's advisor, Kathleen Volk Miller, said that not many students outside the English major know about the publication.
Maya has been in production for over 40 years, but was dormant for a few years and started again three years ago, according to Volk Miller. Each year more people join, but there are still only a few students involved.
This year, the winner of the Week of Writing will be published in Maya and invited to perform at the end-of-year event, according to Marcantonis. However, anyone can submit their work to Maya.
Maya publishes towards the end of spring semester each year; the magazine's content includes poetry, prose, fiction, non-fiction and photography.
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Courtney Bailey
posted 2/20/09 @ 10:20 AM EST
An open mike or open mic (or open spots ) is a live show where audience members may perform at the microphone. Usually, the performers sign up in advance for a time slot with the host or master of ceremonies. (Continued…)
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