Live performers at Lancaster University are being given an opportunity to showcase their skills and develop their talents with the launch of the new open mic and entertainment night in Cartmel College, ‘Next Big Thing.’
Following in the wake of the hugely successful Comedy Nights organised by LUSU Social and Events groups, ‘Next Big Thing’ hopes to bring a different form of live performance into the college and see Cartmel bar become renowned as a major entertainment venue.
As well as unsigned local bands, organisers are hoping to attract a wide variety of entertainers, from singers to comedians to magicians. Event organiser James Davies, Cartmel JCR AV Tech, saw the event as a unique opportunity for Lancaster students: “Currently there are no regular events on campus where people can feel comfortable to showcase their talents, especially those who are not part of a band,” he explained. He went on to say that performing in front of a large audience with professional equipment would be an extremely useful experience for up-and-coming acts.
The night would occur on alternate Thursdays throughout the term providing, in conjunction with Comedy Night, a full program of live events on Thursday in Cartmel. Pendle College, however, hold their own live entertainment night on a Thursday, which has proved popular with local bands.
Asked about this, Cartmel President Mark Lord said “The clash is certainly not deliberate. Our event is designed to provide a full complement of Thursday night entertainment for Cartmel bar, a day established last term with LUSU’s comedy nights.”
Davies sees the event as appealing to a very different audience. “Pendle’s night is for bigger, better established bands. What we are providing is a chance for new performers to make a name for themselves.”
‘Next Big Thing’ starts on Thursday, Week 4, at 8pm in Cartmel bar. Tape will be performing at 9.30, and any students who would like to perform are encouraged to contact Davies at [email]james@cartmelcollege.co.uk[/email].
