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The California campus celebrated the mid-point of its spring Don Rags with a vibrant showcase of talent at the biannual Open Mic Night.

Eager for some mid-semester rejuvenation, students convened in St. Joseph Commons after dinner on Wednesday evening. The dining hall was transformed into a theater, complete with snacks for spectators and a stage for performers.

Open Mic Night is a long-standing semesterly tradition, which provides an opportunity for students to perform for their peers in a casual setting. Typical acts range from singing to poetry to stand-up comedy and everything in-between.

In true TAC-California fashion, the night featured numerous acoustic renditions, including a final performance from Fred Berg (CA’26) of John Mayer’s “Stop This Train,” an original instrumental by JP Sommers (CA’27), and a touching tribute to Joseph Weinkopf (’28) by sophomores Addie Fellona and Victoria Vella (both CA’28) to “If We Were Vampires” by Noah Kahan.

Per tradition, wordsmith Matthew Pinkerton (CA’26) showcased his original poetry, and sophomore Jack “Jackdini” Morey (CA’28) returned with another jaw-dropping magic show. As always, ensemble acts were a big hit: Students applauded an electric group performance of “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls, and the night closed with a quartet rendition of Gregory Alan Isakov’s “Virginia May.”

“I love coming to Open Mic Night and hearing the variety of songs that people perform,” said Liliana Helm (CA’27). “I think it really represents the whole campus, with everyone’s unique personalities and tastes. The performers are showcasing a little part of themselves.”

More Open Mic Night photos …

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