Open Mic at Stanley's

Stanley's BBQ hosts a wide variety of musical acts every Wednesday and Friday night to help digest one of their brother-in-law sandwiches or brisket tacos. On Thursdays starting at 6 PM they host a unique kind of open mic night...Every Thursday at 6 PM the stage lights turn blue and people are invited to bring their guitars and play the blues in and open mic jam session. The one I attended just this past week featured The Texas Soul Shakers as the backing band for anyone ready to lay down some feels.

Video from Open Mic Night at UT Tyler- Joshua Grijalva

Trigger Warning:

This video may contain language and imagery that may be upsetting, but remain true to his personal experiences. This is what going to UT Tyler is all about to me, an opportunity to learn other people's perspectives. 

         One of my good friends and fellow English Major, Joshua Grijalva, was filmed at the Open Mic night that Chrissy attended! :) I love technology, because even if I missed his performance, I still don't truly miss it. :)

Open Mic Night at UT Tyler

Recently UT Tyler had an Open Mic Night in the Patriot Zone, and it was amazing.

First off, we had one of the most creative poets I'd ever heard MC'ing, Odd?Rod.

When I walked into the room I could just feel this chill vibe in the atmosphere. Odd?Rod was on stage reciting one of his poems, there was great catered Mexican food (a huge plus), and one by one fellow students would go onstage to express themselves.

I was surprised by how many people actually went up and the great variety of things they did. Some people sang, some people danced, played guitar, some people even recited some of their own poetry. And they'd be people that you see walking around campus everyday! I always forget that the people around me probably have a million talents that I don't know about. Open Mic Night is a way to remind us of that, and definitely an amazing way to show the diversity on campus.

It was just an amazing night. I strongly urge our school to continue this tradition and for everyone to go out next time you can. The setting was perfect, the MC was inspiring, and the event itself was a hit.

Odd?Rod with the UT Tyler Patriots!

Fight or Flight: Raccoon addition

.....After leaving the Open Mic Night at like 9.

I walked alone down the campus toward Patriot Village.

When I got to Harvey Deck, I saw a flash of gray and thought it was raccoon that I saw before.

I was right. The raccoon stood up on his hind legs inside Harvey Deck looking at me. I am a chicken. I am small. You can toss me over your shoulder and there’s nothing I can do. Instead my fight or flight reflexes kicked and I started walking back slowly back the way I came. I could probably have  taken the raccoon but I wouldn't bet on it.
    I called my roommate and begged her to walk and meet up with my wobbly legged self. She laughed at me and then still met me on the walkway behind Ornelas Hall and walked me home. 

Which I thank her for.

Dealing with an animal like that is really just… what it is.

If I hadn’t been walking alone, I probably wouldn’t have ran awwwayyy. Unless he actually showed some threat.

So that’s my interaction with the campus raccoon.

I saw a couple walk the same way and I didn’t see them running back. So I assume he just likes looking at us curious creatures.

   Does anyone else have any raccoon incidents?

Open Mic Night...

  It's Thursday night, you've got one class the next morning (early but still) and all your friends are busy. 
What to do. What to do. 
   I have something you probably didn't think about attending but after you read my wonderful prose about Open Mic Night. You might in fact change your mind.
  
Open Mic Night is happening this Thursday night at the Patriot Zone.
      It's features a slam poet Colin Gilbert!
     This should be enticing for some like myself, who hasn't heard live slam poetry. 
So ya know.
  According to Layman Lyric Production:

Colin Gilbert, a native East Texan, grew up in the country with hard work and family values etched into his very being. But barbed wire fences couldn't make the man country. Soon enough, Colin found his new home in Dallas. In the summer of 2005, he began writing and performing his poetry and immediately received local recognition.

So those who hail from East Texas can come and support a former East Texan. 
Now due to our advance technology, Gilbert has uploaded some of his slam poetry (and yes this is a link to Myspace) that you can listen for those who would like to have a preview of what to expect. 

Open Mic Night