Performance art helps students relieve stress
November 9, 2015
Lena Nelson, 18, music major, sings a self written song in the Euphrat Museum for First Thursday Open Mic on Thursday, Nov. 13.
During the first Thursday of each month, when school is in session, a colorful event chock full of culture takes place in the Euphrat Museum of Art.
Hosted by the 4 Elements Hip Hop Organization and the Euphrat Museum, First Thursday Open Mic is a free event, and anyone is welcome to perform one or two pieces.
On Nov. 9, about 20 performers, mostly rap artists, but also spoken-word poets and singers, filled the hall of the Euphrat.
“We want it to be in the museum because this is performance art,” said McTate Stroman II, a De Anza staff member and host of the event. “And that’s the ultimate key. It’s to be able to see that performance art where it needs to be at.”
Stroman, a spoken word artist, does financial aid outreach at De Anza. Throughout the event, he introduced the artists and gave his perspective on each performance.
“You don’t have to come and perform, it’s really about being a college student,” said Storman. “I know you guys are learning a lot of information and taking it in. This is where you go to just let it out.”
On the stage, performers showcased what they were currently working on. With many different artists that night, it was like being at a De Anza student concert.
Brian Filice, 28, history major, found the event through the 4 Elements Hip Hop Organization at De Anza and performed for the first time.
“It was fun,” Filice said. “I enjoy music in general and I haven’t been to many open mics before, and I think it turned into a more relaxed, loose atmosphere as it went on.”
Tyrone Powell, 19, computer engineering major, who goes by the name MC Black Jesus performed one of the last songs that night.
“I use first Thursdays as a way to connect with other artists, to just talk to them and see if we can collaborate, Tyrone Powell said. “I love the people here, and they’re like really talented.”
First Thursday Open Mic is a lively event, and a definite good time. August Powell, 19, music major and a producer/artist, has been attending it for about a year.
“I like the energy. I like the people, and I like listening to other people and their creations because we all just create stuff,” August Powell said. “And the fact that we have this platform to do it at is cool because it lets everybody get things off their chest.