This weekend, after realizing that my original plans to attend a youth concert was no longer an option, I’ve decided to attend a live open mic night event that took place that same evening. This was my very first time experiencing an open mic night and I am so glad I’ve made that decision to. It was funny how the timing of everything was perfect: just right when I cancelled my own plans, a friend of mine posted the flyer of the open mic night on Facebook.

Thank goodness for that because I did not want to be stuck in my dorm on a Friday night with the same usual plans of going to the library and studying (not that I am condoning it). Thankfully, the event took place near me at the First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, New Jersey. The performances included songs that were original, dancing, rap, poetry and more.

It was a calm and laid back atmosphere; just as I had imagined it would be like. Each performer was deeply in tuned with their work. They all gave credit and mentioned that their inspiration came from Jesus. It was no surprised that Jesus was the one who inspired each and everyone one of the performers. I was simply inspired and my soul felt uplifted. The vocal sounds of the singers were blissful and I felt ecstatic during the entire time. The various poetry that was read would leave you feeling encouraged and the dance that was performed reminded me of the personal connection that one can have with God.

Of course, I couldn’t forget about the awesome Open MIC Night host, Isaiah Tate, who is a young uprising artist. The MC himself was charismatic, humorous and showcased a few of his own latest music pieces. [ you can see Tate’s most recent project here: https://vimeo.com/144045047 ]

I loved the collaboration of the different forms of art. Dancing, singing, rapping and poetry. It is all like storytelling, there’s a meaning behind them all. People of all ages and backgrounds came together to formulate a live spoken word.

Spoken word performances have increased in the last few years due to the ability to express through storytelling how one feels. It allows anyone to deliver a message that he or she feels will leave a great impression through our diverse culture today.

Last year, after listening to a few spoken word performances done by poets, Jackie Hill Perry and husband, Preston Perry, and Miss Terious Janette through YouTube videos, I knew right then how much variety there is in poetry and how it can be interpreted into your own style and use it to reach a certain audience.

Something that I’ve picked up from the live open mic was that each of the performers had a calling. Every one of them is uniquely different and they all have a lot to offer. They are unashamed of their identity in Christ and are using their God-giving gifts to share to the world.

I am truly thankful for that night. Everything happens for a reason and while I was upset at the fact that I could not attend the concert, God had other plans for me. In the end, things always work out.