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News

African-American Student Association

4th Annual Open Mic Night Winners

11/28/07 -

The Okaloosa-Walton College Chapter of the African-American Student Association (AASA) was proud to host its 4th Annual Open Mic Night Competition on Thursday, November 15, 2007, in the Tyler Recital Hall of the Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center. The event began at 7:00 p.m. with an audience of about 40 ready fans and family members.

The Open Mic Night Competition is a celebration of the vocal arts, such as singing and poetry, and those in attendance were not disappointed by the performances. The diversity was amazing! Audience members were captivated by traditional Gullah storytelling, poetry, hard rock music, gospel singing, different forms of rapping, and so much more! During intermission, last year's winner, John Pristell, mesmerized the audience with pieces from his superb, self published book, Boy Versus Girl. Yet, in the end it was the judges who had to make the final difficult decision as to who would walk away as winners. Honorable Mention was bestowed upon contemporary gospel rapper, Terry Miles for his original song, "Conquerors." Third place went to the duet with guitar accompaniment of Nathan Beltran and Brandon Williams singing "O Holy Night," and second place was earned by a quartet of gospel singers called The Angelic Voices of Praise. "The Voices," Miriam McGriff, Rachel McGriff, Kyndra Lewis, and Mariah Lewis, harmonized beautifully to Mary Mary's song "In The Morning." Finally, first place was awarded to the wonderful Gullah Storytelling of Danielle Gadsen who shared her South Carolina Gullah heritage with the listeners.

This year's Open Mic Night was undoubtedly a success, and all eight performances were fantastic. Now, the only thing left to do is wait for next year's contest!