Stonehill's open mic series

By Kaya DeAngelis

While Stonehill’s Mic Check has only just hosted its second open mic, students and faculty already see and appreciate the impact it’s had on the campus community.  

“Every story, poem, or song adds another layer to the story of who we are as a campus,” said senior Oriana Cappella, the host and founder of the open mic series.  

Cappella created Mic Check to be a space where the entire Stonehill community can come together to learn, reflect, and connect with each other.  

“It’s about coming together to listen, share, and learn from one another,” she said. 

The most recent open mic event on October 28 was dedicated to celebrating Ability Inclusion and Disability Awareness Month.  

Dr. Guillermo Caballero, assistant professor of political science and international studies, hosted and emceed the event alongside Cappella, which was held in the Meehan Great Room.  

The rules were simple: you may perform two poems, two songs, or one five-minute rant (to mediate mic hogging). No hate speech, be respectful, and be active audience members.  

Stomping, whooping, cheering, and snaps were all strongly encouraged. 

With over 50 people in attendance, the room got quite loud at points. Even some students doing homework on the second floor heard the commotion, and stopped to cheer on the performers from the balcony.  

There were ten performances by both students and faculty, with Dr. Caballero starting it off. The performances included original songs, poetry, and spoken word.  

When asked what surprised her about the night, Cappella said it was how open and vulnerable everyone was willing to be. 

“People shared deeply personal parts of themselves,” she said, “and the audience responded with so much love and support.”   

Dr. Caballero said that he was excited to begin an open mic series at Stonehill.  

“Everywhere I go I try to set up an open mic,” he said, “and of course I will go 110% for students, so I was really psyched about supporting her with this.”

He said he brought the structure and the culture to the event, as well as experience of performing spoken word throughout his undergraduate, graduate, and post-grad career. 

The first Mic Check was held during UnDocuWeek in April, a unique event which Cappella called truly incredible.  

“The response was so positive,” she said, “and it really showed how much people value having space to express themselves and be heard.” 

Moved by this response, she wanted to continue creating a space where the entire Stonehill community can come together to learn, reflect, and connect.  

Cappella had a strong support system when creating and putting on Mic Check.  

“I do not have enough words to express my love and gratitude for Brittany,” she said, referring to Brittany Lorgeree, the Campus Minister for Community Engagement.  

She also wanted to thank Dr. G, who she said has encouraged her to lead with heart and authenticity.  

In addition, she thanked Teddi, Omar, the Office of Intercultural Affairs, Professor Sameera, the LIGHT leaders, ABS and IXP, the Campus Ministry team, and her family, friends, and partner for supporting her.  

For future themes, she says she wants to explore more about identity and culture, including Black History Month, Autism Acceptance Month, and AAPI Heritage Month, among others.   

“When we create spaces like this, we’re not just celebrating art,” said Cappella, “we’re building a culture of belonging.”