tween sets. If someone is performing, however, you aren’t liable to get much out <strong>of</strong> them. They are being entertained. “We like to sit at the front,” says Smith as the event comes to a close, “because going to open mic is about more than listening to people sing <strong>and</strong> play guitar. You see all <strong>of</strong> the sororities <strong>and</strong> fraternities <strong>and</strong> honor societies <strong>and</strong> whatnot, but rarely do you get to see the fun things that the students on our campus get to do. “I love that I get the chance to see what kinds <strong>of</strong> things IUP has to <strong>of</strong>fer beneath the surface.” Growing musician shares relationship with music John Graziani is a senior sport administration major at IUP. Coming from Pittsburgh, he tells us what music <strong>and</strong> Open Mic Night mean to him. How long have you been playing guitar? Singing? I’ve been playing guitar for almost 8 years now, <strong>and</strong> as for singing... I honestly have no clue. My friend Alex <strong>and</strong> I, used to record some songs in 10th grade, but it didn’t go so well most <strong>of</strong> the time. [laughs] Do you play any other instruments? I attempt to play the piano, but I can only play a little, <strong>and</strong> I can sing while playing, but still, I’m not too talented on the instrument Favorite type <strong>of</strong> music? I’ve always been a fan <strong>of</strong> early 90’s punk/rock/ pop like Saves the Day, early Fall Out Boy, The Early November, A Change <strong>of</strong> Pace... b<strong>and</strong>s like those. I would have to say that is my favorite genre <strong>of</strong> music. Why/When did you start playing at open mic? I began playing at open mic because I thought it was about time to try <strong>and</strong> perform in front <strong>of</strong> people. I knew I wasn’t gonna be great at first, but I really enjoy doing it now. Favorite song you like to perform? I really enjoy playing “Where is Your Boy Tonight?” by Fall Out Boy. Have you recorded anything pr<strong>of</strong>essionally or is this just a hobby? I haven’t recorded anything pr<strong>of</strong>essionally. Do you play elsewhere? I’ve played many bars <strong>and</strong> restaurants in the area, but in all honesty, I don’t pursue this very hard. My favorite place to play is open mic, because I know everyone there enjoys listening to the music, opposed to somewhere like the bar scene, where it is just background music until everyone gets drunk. [laughs] Do you have any musical inspiration? Goals? Too many, in all honesty! [laughs] I tell [my friend] Dylan this all the time <strong>and</strong> he thinks I’m an idiot, but my inspiration for most <strong>of</strong> my music, <strong>and</strong> favorite solo musician, is Paul Menotiades. He plays the music I like to hear, <strong>and</strong> his voice is incredible. He is a local Pittsburgh guy, too. He played in Punchline when they were signed to Fueled by Ramen, <strong>and</strong> he still plays with them, along with a b<strong>and</strong> called The Composure. Both great b<strong>and</strong>s, <strong>and</strong> both inspiration for what I try to achieve musically. Who’s your biggest fan? Definitely my mom... she tries to critique me, but in the end she would probably still be proud <strong>of</strong> me if I sounded like a dying moose. That’s what moms are for I suppose. [laughs] Anything else you want to say about open mic at IUP? If it weren’t for open mic, not only would I not be able to play music in front <strong>of</strong> people, but I don’t think I would have the public speaking skills that I have today. I speak much clearer, <strong>and</strong> I find confidence much easier. [laughs] But anyways, open mic has opened me to so many doors, <strong>and</strong> for anyone in the future who feels they need a confidence booster, I highly advise getting the courage to go on stage <strong>and</strong> perform in some way. 14 Lights! Campus! Action! <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2012</strong>
Hawk Rock: Get Loose with Area B<strong>and</strong>s by Joe Stango It’s Saturday night, <strong>and</strong> you have no idea what to do. Maybe you should put on your rock-<strong>and</strong>-roll shoes <strong>and</strong> spend the evening watching one <strong>of</strong> the area’s many b<strong>and</strong>s. Whether you listen to blues, metal, 80’s rock or perhaps a different musical genre, <strong>Indiana</strong> <strong>of</strong>fers a variety shows for your entertainment. <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2012</strong> Lights! Campus! Action! 15
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