More than a dozen people performed at the first Golden Light Open Mic of the year. The event took place on February 16 at 6:30 pm at the T.V Studio on the third floor of the Carlton Center. Included Several ABAC faculties members, high schoolers, and students.
ABAC student Luara Wiley, organizer and host of the Golden Light Open Mic, introduced the guest performers and, while doing so, she performed songs from her favorite artist and some of her own music as well. Performances such as “Stand Up” by Cynthia Erivo, was sung by A’zaya Hill, in honor of Black History month; Cliara and Efron with a musical performance, and a few musical duets along with some others. Also, sharing a heartfelt performance as ABAC student Aileene-Bjork Novascotia sang a song called “Once in a While” by Barry Bostwick, giving an accepting performance. Novascoita says the song meant something personal to her saying, “I guess it was learning that someone has changed and still loving them for it.” Surely, as the Golden Mic Night Light gives performers opportunities to display songs, they also provide meaning into the crowd.
Laura, looks forward to keeping pushing the environment for people to perform and not be scared, saying, “I think the golden mic night offers a very encouraging environment that’s a big goal of mine is to make sure anyone who performs, feels comparable and encouraged.” This is the main purpose of the Golden Light Open Mic.
ABAC student and audience member of the night, Austin Dean says, “Overall, it was a fun experience you got to see a lot of people that you know and recognize your got to see stuff that you didn’t know they could necessarily do.”
Another ABAC student Julia Ryland talked about her thoughts recalling the Golden Mic Light Night. “I have a background in theater, and so I love to see people perform,” she said. “Just seeing people take time to perform in front of people, it was so interesting.”
The next Golden Light Open Mic event is planned to be in the Lakeside lobby, sometime next month, but these plans are subject to change. Also, Laura hopes to expand the Golden Light Open Mic to other cities in Georgia.