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LERON WELLINGTON
Staff Writer
It’s a Thursday night in Fredonia, and you are looking for the perfect way to chill out with some good music as you eagerly await the weekend. So what do you do? Take yourself down to EBC West for Open Mic Night.
This collaboration between Fredonia students and local bar and grill Ellicottville Brewing Company has been around for three years now, and this past Thursday kicked off the weekly tradition with a bang.
Students and musicians get to show off their musical chops in a lax and inviting space every Thursday night starting at 10 p.m. Performers range from ukulele players singing their favorite songs to duos and trios with tight harmonies.
Along with music, you can grab a bite to eat and complimentary popcorn. Sign-ups to perform are free and first come, first served. If you perform three songs, you get a free drink. Once in a while, audience members get to see a musician who just comes through and is willing to share their music with us.
The performers sing a variety of songs, so you are bound to here at least one song or artist you know. On Thursday, artists from Weezer to Allen Stone were heard. But there was a time when Fredonia did not have such a place to perform and listen to music like this.
It all started three years ago when Bryan Williams, a Fredonia alumnus who majored in music business/management, reached out to EBC West with the idea of having a night where local musicians could come and perform. He said that he wanted to make a place for “culminating community and wanted to find a place that brings together local artists.”
Even though he has graduated and is currently living in Buffalo, performing in his own band AnnaSun, he came back to help out with the first night of the semester and seemed to enjoy every minute of being back.
Now, Luke Wheeler, senior audio/radio production major, takes on the role of MC and is excited to start off a year with new music and people. As a regular performer himself, he explained how everyone is invited and welcome to perform any song from any genre.
“It’s pretty unique and it’s one of … Fredonia’s hidden gems. You get to see a lot of talented people come through here,” Wheeler said.
Carly Dieck, senior musical theatre major, is a regular audience member at Open Mic Night and said, “I think Open Mic Night is a great opportunity, for the college students specifically, to do what they love without any pressure behind it. It’s a great way to support your friends and meet other people who like the same kind of music as you.”
So if you are looking for a place to perform new music or would like to see local musicians perform, head down to EBC West. It happens year-round, so you have nearly-endless opportunities to check it out.