South Pole gives performers a chance

by Jay Boehmer
For The Post

On Thursday nights music flows through the basement of Nelson Dining Hall on South Green. The microphone is open and all that is needed is the desire and confidence to step upon the stage to perform, or the patience to sit with the kind audience that flocks every week to the South Pole.

The entertainment starts at 9 p.m. every Thursday and lasts until the final act takes a bow around midnight.

"It gives students an alternative to going Uptown to hear music," said Kellea Tibbs, a South Green Resident Director and coordinator of Open Mic night.

The program started in October in an attempt to give performers a platform to exhibit their talent and to give students a place to be entertained by their peers.

"A lot of good musicians don't have enough material to play a whole set at a bar but are nevertheless good," said Casey McLaughlin, an Ohio University senior who has attended the shows. "Open Mic is the perfect forum for them."

In addition to free music, the South Pole offers coffee, hot chocolate and cookies as well as plenty of seating for the audience. As opposed to the smoky, dimly lit bars Uptown, the South Pole has a clear, comfortable environment.

Any number of acts grace the stage and play for at least 20 minutes depending on how many acts are scheduled to perform. There is no fixed format, which gives the musicians and performers freedom in their expression.

Performers can sign up ahead of time at the South Pole or simply come prepared on Thursday night.

The South Pole Open Mic is not only for musicians. Any type of stage entertainment is welcome. Comedians, poets and performance artists are encouraged to bring their flavor to the stage.

One such act that defies the musical tradition of most open mic nights is Ryan Arey. He is known for annoying, confusing and cracking up the audience with his weekly avant-garde comedy act at the South Pole.

"Since the first one I've never missed an Open Mic," said Arey, an OU junior. "Sometimes I'm Dr. Conjury, my magician alter ego; sometimes I do improvisational songs. I change my material every week."

On the last Thursday of the quarter, March 8, the South Pole is sponsoring a talent show. A grand prize of $100 will be awarded to the best act.