Chris Zurek-Toton, Neil Gogno and Nick Bonnani perform at open-mic night. photos by Eion O'Neill

The CAP Board hosted an open mic night in Jazzman’s on Friday, Jan. 22.  CAP Board is responsible for weekend events.  John Solewin, junior political science major, was in charge of putting it all together and making the night a successful one.

“In the spring of last year there was a good turn-out of about 30 people, so I felt like it was a nice idea to have one again,” Solewin said.

Both Cabrini students and other guests took turns taking the stage and singing some of their favorite songs.

Chris Zurek-Toton, a 28-year-old first grade teacher and Cabrini M.Ed. alumnus, was shocked to see how many people came out to watch the performers.  Zurek has been taking singing seriously since he was about 18 years old and enjoys having it as a career option.  When his father, a professor at Cabrini, brought the flyer home he contacted Cabrini immediately to become part of the open mic night.

“When performing on a regular basis, I do not get nervous, but when my shows are more spaced out, I tend to get very nervous,” Zurek said.

He is also in a band that was formed about a year and a half ago called New West.  The band records in Brooklyn, N.Y. on the weekends.

“Recording is a great excuse to head into the city and I really enjoy being around the huge music scene there,” Zurek said.

Not only does the band play a good amount of shows, but they also have a four-song album out that is doing great.  The album is titled The Eastern Standard EP and some of their music can be found on his Web site at www.myspace.com/z_t_.

As for current Cabrini students performing at the open mic night, Neil Gogno, sophomore English major, has been to the open mic nights in the past.  He has been singing and playing the guitar for about a year and a half.  Gogno has never had any lessons.  He has just been able to pick it up and learn on his own.

“I really enjoy writing lyrics and playing the guitar. Coming to the open mic nights are a great way to be heard,” Gogno said.

Gogno would possibly like to make a career out of music, but if not, he beleivest that open mic night and playing for his friends and family is still very satisfying.  He often plays at Milk Boy Coffee, at both of their location in Bryn Mawr and Ardmore, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 p.m. until close.  A great way to listen to Gogno’s music is to check out his website at www.purevolume.com/neilg.

Open mic night is a great way to hang out with friends and relax on weekends.  People come together and listen to all of the up and coming musicians.  “I had a lot of fun and even though I do not sing or play any music I really enjoy listening to the live performances from all of the different musicians,” Rachael Mazzante, sophomore pre-nursing major, said.