As the steady pulse of drums reverberated through the hall, the sounds of students chattering and cheering filled the air as each performer approached the stage. On Thursday, Dec. 5, De Anza College hosted the monthly “First Thursday” at the Euphrat Museum from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The event featured an open mic and spoken word performances, giving students a platform to share their creativity and personal stories.
“First Thursday” is more than just a performance — it’s an opportunity for students to take risks, try out new creative ideas and most importantly, connect with others. The Euphrat Museum provided an intimate setting where performers and audience members were united by a shared love of the arts and a desire to connect through creative expression.
Performer Jamie Wong, a resident of Cupertino, said “First Thursday” is an outlet to express her creativity and connect with others through her music.
“I just want to share my passion for singing,” Wong said. “I also love meeting new people, hearing all their stories and the music that they share.”
Similarly, Moeka Ishizawa, 23, film and television major, said the opportunity to perform is an important part of her life.
“This is my hobby. Anytime there is a chance to perform, I’ll give it a chance and sing it there,” Ishizawa said.
Ishizawa said that not only does her love for singing draw her to De Anza’s stage, but also the strong sense of community at these events.
“It’s hard to find a community especially at De Anza, but at these open mic events, everyone is welcome to join,” Ishizawa said. “It’s good to have people with creative talents a place to get together. It makes the community much more impactful and powerful.”
Beyond creating a welcoming space, “First Thursday” is known for encouraging performers to share engaging spoken word pieces that resonate with the audience.
Hein Htet Naing, 19, business administration major, delivered “Love Yourz” by J. Cole to encourage people to practice gratitude more.
“You have to appreciate what you have and who you have around you,“ Naing said. “Sometimes people focus on the wrong things and we don’t appreciate what we have. If we are constantly chasing the things that we don’t have, we are going to miss something.”
As the event comes to a close, “First Thursday” serves as a celebration of student voices and a platform for connection. Performances, whether by newcomers or experienced artists, add to the diverse range of creativity at De Anza. For many, it highlights the role of art in bringing people together.
