By Katie Flaniken
Quarterly, The Rock Academy and Vernal Theatre: LIVE host an incredible Open Mic Night. I was thrilled to attend this event that proves a fact that I already believe to be true: the Uintah Basin is filled with incredible talent.
Vernal Theatre has already proven that they can create wonderful sets for the shows they put on, but with their event partner, The Rock Academy, the stage was transformed into a set up worthy of an awesome indie concert. With lights and curtains to frame a myriad of instruments, the artists were prepared to look like the rock stars they are.
This talented group of individuals didn’t disappoint. Open Mic Night showcased a well-rounded set of individuals that shared varying talents, skills, and styles.
The first performer of the evening, Chris Kingsley, stole the show with several songs, playing both an acoustic-electric guitar and piano along with his vocals. His old country voice was melodic and perfect for his cover of “Here Comes the Sun.” But my personal favorite was a hilarious original song titled “Hungover in Butte,” a song about the day after St. Patrick’s Day in Montana, a day he called the Mardi Gras of the north.
Another standout of the night was Derrick Allred. Not only is this man a talented guitar player, he could easily be a standup comedian. He had the entire audience roaring with laughter throughout his set. Allred claimed he wasn’t a very capable guitarist, but his performance proved otherwise, as he performed an original song that was beautiful and effortless to listen to.
Jeremy Weyerman mixed things up when he broke out a “cover of a cover of a cover” of “Moonshiner” that matched the country twang in his voice, and even more so the twang in the banjo he was playing. I didn’t expect the sound that was created by Weyerman and it blew my mind. This is one of the great things about Open Mic Night. You get to see truly incredible performers and be surprised by quite a few as well. I love being surprised.
One comedian after another performed. Jill Boyd was not just a talented pianist and vocalist, but her comedic timing was thoroughly enjoyable. She performed a song titled “I Believe,” which was emotional and strong. Boyd also played a cover of “The Luckiest,” and Daniel Jackson jumped up on the stage to sing the vocals to this lovely song.
Other notable performances were given by Tianna Farris, a first timer at Open Mic Night, who sang a fun cover of “In The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World, accompanied on the guitar by Brad Litton. And young Kolby Moore played an incredible heavy metal original piece on his electric guitar.
Litton also performed several incredible songs. My favorite of the night from this talented performer was his original song titled “Collateral Damage.” It was emotional, beautiful, and well written.
In addition to performing, Litton was the host of Open Mic Night. Once again, full of humor and charisma, he made everyone feel welcome, ensured everyone was having a great time, and helped to encourage the new performers.
Toward the end of the evening, once everyone had had a chance to perform, Litton opened the stage up for any repeat performers to sing some more songs, nearly every artist played again, but the stand out number was when Kingsley sat down at the piano and began to play a cover of “Let It Be.” Litton jumped on the stage and grabbed his guitar, while his brother, Brandt Litton, sat at a box drum, and father Ron Litton grabbed the bass. This rendition, with Kingsley on vocals, was gorgeous and a highlight of the entire evening.
Open Mic Night takes place every three months. It is $2.00 to perform, and each performer is guaranteed at least two songs, with a possibility for many more at the end of the evening. Live music is required, no karaoke or instrumental tracks. If you do not play an instrument, you are more than welcome to find an accompanist to play with you.
If you’re not a performer, it is only $3.00 to sit and enjoy the talent of others, making this a perfect and affordable date night. I hope to perform in the future, but I thoroughly enjoyed simply listening to the beautiful talent of each and every performer.
The next Open Mic Night will be on December 15, 2018. It’s sure to be an incredible night filled with holly, jolly performances at The Rock Academy and Vernal Theatre: LIVE Open Mic Night.
The Rock Academy and Vernal Theatre: LIVE present Open Mic Night.
Vernal Theatre: LIVE 44 E. Main St., Vernal, UT 84078
December 15, 2018 7:30 PM. Doors and registration open at 7:00 PM.
Tickets: $2.00 for performers, $3.00 for audience members.
Contact: Brad Litton, 435-789-9544, info@therockacademyutah.com
The Rock Academy Facebook Page
Vernal Theatre: LIVE Facebook Page
Open Mic Night Facebook Event
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