Open Mic Night surprises audiences Tuesdays on the Terrace
By Emily Connor, UW-Madison journalism major
It’s no surprise to stop by the Terrace on a summer night and see it filled with crowds and laughter. But Tuesday nights have garnered a crowd and a vibe all their own. Each week, performers of all ages and experience levels are able to bring their unique acts to the Summer Stage at Open Mic Night. Open Mic Night host and guitar musician Martin Potter shared how this Terrace tradition is a favorite for performers and audience members alike.
Photo courtesy of @NateMoll
“I’ve seen a lot in my time hosting Open Mic Night on the Terrace,” said Martin. “There are no rules, and it is totally open to anyone to join in.”
As the sun sets and 8:00 draws near, the usual Terrace crowd sits back and relaxes as Martin jumps on stage to read that night’s order of performers. A lottery determines the order in which the performers play and each gets around ten minutes of time up on stage. Martin then greets the audience with a song on his guitar, and introduces the first artist, who steps up to play. And while playing for an average crowd of over a hundred people may seem daunting, Martin said even the most inexperienced performers feel calm on the Terrace.
“The Terrace Open Mic Night is definitely one of the biggest open mic nights in Madison and has the largest audience,” said Martin. “But it is pretty relaxed. Even folks who come and play here for their first time walk away and think ‘oh, that wasn’t too hard.'”
For most performers, the Terrace provides a friendly, casual atmosphere to express and share their talent. “It’s good for performers to play for this many people, said Martin. “So many open mic nights are in little coffee shops where you play for only five or six people who are paying close attention to you. I think it is easier and more realistic to play for a lot of people who aren’t paying as close attention.”
According to Martin, anything goes performance-wise, so surprises are certainly in order. “I put up with anything!” laughed Martin. He then went on to explain a funny instance when a young man played on stage and recited his phone number for all the ladies in the audience.
While many new performers sign up each week, the Terrace Open Mic Night has collected a small community of repeat performers. Singer Mellow-D is just one of the many aspiring musicians who is hoping the Terrace is a place to start making his dreams a reality, and his act has quickly become a crowd favorite.
Martin knows some bands have assembled when performers have met at Open Mic Night and come back to play together. Some performers bring crowds themselves. But for most, the Tuesday night Terrace patrons just grabbing a bite to eat or catching up with friends provide the perfect audience.
While any and all musical acts and talents are welcome on the Terrace, Martin said he would love to see even more variety. “We have a lot of singers and songwriters,” said Martin. “I would love to see more jokes and comedy acts or poetry.”
But no matter what talent, age or experience level, everyone is welcome at the Terrace Open Mic Night. The happy host and easy-going crowd are always eager to see the next great act or newest singing sensation.
Open Mic Night on the Terrace is organized by the Wisconsin Union Directorate Music Committee. For more information regarding Open Mic Night, contact Courtney Byelich.
