CARLY KNASZAK
Special to The Leader
College students can agree that nights in Fredonia can get a little bit out of hand, but why not have the experience of getting a group together, eating food, playing a game and listening to music? The Ellicottville Brewing Company, or EBC West, is bringing back Wednesdays’ Trivia Night, and, for the first time, it will be hosting Open Mic Night on Thursdays.
Jim Nau, the operator of EBC West, took over Trivia Night after 43 West, which was known for its trivia nights, closed nearly one year ago.
“I wanted to give them something to do in the bar that is entertaining and not just drinking,” Nau said. EBC West hosts Trivia Night with entertainer, Greg Craft.
“He was the one that did trivia at 41 West. He does trivia at Wing City, too,” Nau said. “He has his own questions, and he does his own research. He sets up all the bonus questions, and he actually brings in all the music that he wants played.”
Seniors Jessica Kuzdzal and Jordan Czaplicki, who both attended Trivia Night late last month, said they have been attending Trivia Night since it was at 41 West.
“We get super competitive,” Kuzdzal said. Trivia question topics can range from American History, all the way to when a celebrity was born.
“We try coming to Trivia Night as much as possible,” Czaplicki added. Even though Trivia Night is fun for all, there is an age restriction.
“Trivia is 21 and up, and that starts at 9:30 p.m. [At] Open Mic Night, we do allow 18 and over for the first portion of it, but then we close it to 21 and over usually between 11 p.m. and midnight,” Nau said.
Senior Bryan Williams came to Nau about not having a venue for his idea of Open Mic.
“He wanted to do it on Thursday nights, which was traditionally pretty slow for us, so we decided that would be a good idea,” Nau said.
“You’re pretty much able to come and do whatever you want. It starts at 9 p.m. and is every Thursday. Whether it’s singing, jamming, rapping, poetry, spoken-word or even stand-up comedy, all mediums of expression are welcome,” Williams said. “We even have a local Fredonian beat boxer, DeadEnglish, come down every week. Pretty much, the possibilities are endless.”
Since Fredonia is a very musical school, Williams wanted to show off the talent [that] students have to offer.
“What inspired me to do this was simply a need to help out an already growing scene. I have been here for four years and I cannot even begin to explain how much incredible talent we have here in Fredonia,” Williams said. “I feel a need to expose these artists and musicians and like-minded crazies, who rightfully want to express themselves.”
The night of Thursday, Sept. 25, many students came out to support their friends as they took the microphone. Many musicians played cover songs and even their very own songs.
With the help of Nau, Williams has been able to promote Open Mic by word of mouth and social media.
“Moreover, what really makes this special is the response we are getting in such little time. Just last week we had 150 people, confirmed, come in and out that were 21, and this event is 18 and up friendly,” Williams said. “I hope musicians from Buffalo and Jamestown and all around will come and experience the Fredonia music scene. At this point, my expectations are being broken every week.”
“We just want to provide something entertaining for when you do go out,” Nau said.
EBC West is located at 34 W. Main Street.