Who needs frats when you have open mic nights in the basement of your campus chapel? If that sounds like your jam, this article on Postcrypt Coffeehouse’s latest event will be music to your ears.

The most memorable part of our time spent at the Postcrypt Coffeehouse Open Mic Night was the debilitating heat, probably due to the lack of AC in the small chapel basement. However, we have never met a group of better hosts. We were met with plentiful snacks and water served in mason jars—very millennial optimism. Each organizer was positive and happy to be there.

The space was filled with various Christmas lights and electric candles that gave a warm glow to the stone walls. Two organizers attempted to hang a poster behind the stage, which was basically just a raised platform and microphone next to a piano, some wires, and an amp. On the wall there was one of those signs that read “Occupancy by more than 35 persons is dangerous and unlawful,” so it goes without saying that this is not a venue for a large event; rather, it hosts  more intimate and calm gatherings. 

Our first performer was Brandon, who played “Starman” by David Bowie on the piano while singing. Brandon opened the night with a lot of charisma and energy, which was great to get people out of their shells and help inspire confidence in the crowd to volunteer as tributes and perform their own songs. He also played James Taylor’s “Our Town,” a song that carries a deep nostalgic significance due to its role in the Cars movie.

Brandon promoted Muse House, a Special Interest Community in which the individuals involved live together and play music. Applications are open now, and if you get in you are guaranteed a single dorm, AC, and a community of musical people!

Following Brandon’s performance of “Our Town,” there was a brief lull when he asked for other performers to take the stage. Luckily, a singer, Miranda, along with her acoustic guitar, decided to take one for the team. 

She explained the song she was going to sing: “Vaudeville” by Sydney Gish. Vaudeville refers to a performance consisting of many acts, from jugglers to singers, all on the same night. Miranda chose this song because she felt it embodies life at Columbia, specifically feeling obligated to put on a performance for others, much like Vaudevillian performers. The song had a quiet, indie sound and Miranda’s voice was smooth and satisfying.

Sitting next to me was an older gentleman named James, who is currently studying songwriting at Julliard. James regularly participated in Postcrypt’s events in the pre-Covid era and finally decided to return and share his musical talents with Columbia once more.

His first performance was of Bob Dylan’s “Love Minus Zero,” and in true Bob Dylan fashion, James played the guitar, harmonica, and sang. A three-in-one deal. It was charming to see how each performer sang a different genre of music, from pop rock, to indie, to folk—the individuality of each song kept the event engaging.

His second song was one in French, by 70s icon Joe Dassin, and while James is not a native French speaker, we commend his bravery in singing in a foreign language. James will be back at Postcrypt’s next open mic event—which occurs the first weekend of every month—with an original piece! Even if you do not wish to perform yourself, musicians and audience members alike are all welcome. 

Next, another singer named Sophia sang while accompanied by the bass and the electric guitar. Her announcement of her song of choice, “What A Diff’rence A Day Made” by Dinah Washington, was followed by a scramble from the accompanying musicians to find the proper digital sheet music. 

The start was admittedly a bit clunky; there were some difficulties with syncing up the timing. But, rest assured, there was no tension in the Coffeehouse. Instead, the room was filled with laughter and the sounds of problem-solving. Well, it seemed that any attempt at problem solving always ended in Brandon saving the day with a powerful assist from the piano. Anyway, aside from a mid-performance spill, the rest of the song went swimmingly, and Sophia’s velvety rich voice was perfect for the jazzy vibe of the song.

Following Sophia was another captivating vocalist. Marina sang “Misty,” a jazz piece composed by Eroll Garner with lyrics by Johnny Burke, but for all my doomscrollers out there, you’ve probably heard the Lesley Gore rendition on TikTok (“Look at me / I’m as helpless as a kitten up a tree”). Marina was a true showstopper, wowing the audience with her riffs and runs, embellishing the melody with her own flair, encompassing the spirit of jazz.

The community spirit of Postcrypt was channeled in an initiative launched by Brandon to sing “Yesterday” by the Beatles all together. As below-average singers, it was nice to be included in the musical part of the night as more than just audience members. Singing in a group gave us a warm feeling, which could perhaps also be attributed to the sweltering heat in the basement room. If you do go to Postcrypt, remember that you’re also going for a sauna treatment, so bring layers you can shed.

The highlight of the night was undoubtedly our very own Bwog icon Lucy taking the stage to sing “Breaking Up Slowly” by Lana Del Rey ft. Nikki Lane. We other Bwoggers did not have the courage to go and perform, though we were brainstorming stand-up comedy and slam poetry in between performances, but Lucy represented Bwog masterfully. Accompanied by various instruments, Lucy performed a beautiful rendition of “Breaking Up Slowly,” and I’d say Lana has some competition.

One of the final performances was by Tony, a pianist and vocalist who was clearly very emotionally invested in his song. We were not familiar with the song performed, but the first note made the audience jump, triggering an instant reaction. His range was impressive, from soft hums to vocal belts, quiet notes to fingers slamming on the keys. He played with such force that you could almost see the red blood of the piano keys spewing out from the cracks, notes yelling out with every slam. The artist and the art were one.

Overall: Good vibes, would go again, wear less layers, bring more water, you can stay for as long or short as you want, come with a song.

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