Though the first Quilt sponsored Open Mic Night of the 2006-2007 year began without a mic, at no point did it lack openness.

Justin Poirier started it off with a little ditty he claimed to have written over the summer. “A reflection on his feelings,” Poirier said. Poirier then launched into a rather passionate, if not quite on-key, version of Kelly Clarkson’s hit song “Since You’ve Been Gone.”

The night proceeded with cover songs and original pieces sung with instrumental accompaniments on the piano, guitar and bongo drum. Students shared poetry, short stories and journal entries.

Poirier even reclaimed the stage occasionally to grace the rapt audience with quotes from “Snakes on a Plane,” delivered in a somber monotone. All of the quotes elicited uproarious laughter from the audience, and none of them can be printed in this paper.

The audience seemed to enjoy themselves, if the quiet attention, loud cheers, easy laughter and strong encouragement were any indication.

Christin Baker, an audience member, liked the fact that there was music as well as spoken word. “It was nice, better than I expected,” Baker said.

The performers felt the love. Student Mike Melton played piano in a band that included Justin Kline on the guitar and as lead singer and Mike Copper on the bongo drum. Melton also took a turn on his own performing an original song called “On This Day” which he co-wrote with Kline.

“I felt like the audience was very supportive. The audience was positive and receptive of performers,” Melton said.

Melton was grateful for the opportunity to be on stage. “It’s always fun to perform.” Melton said.

Quilt will join the Diversity Club in hosting an Open Mic Night on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 8 p.m. in the Rathskeller.