ICC Shares Their Talents

Bailey Newhouse

Sept 14, 2022

On September 8, Illinois Central College’s (ICC) Campus Activities Board (CAB) hosted their Open Mic Night at the Performing Arts Center, where many students and community members showcased their poems, short stories, songs, and other pieces of work. 

Abbie Alsene, director of Student Life at ICC and who helped to coordinate the event, expressed the primary goal of the Open Mic Night was to allow the students and members of the community to practice creativity and showcase their talents to the public in a safe space. 

One of the many participants stated, “As soon as I walked up on that stage, my fears and worries flew away. It was a fun night, and I hope to do it again next time.” 

Meanwhile, another participant who performed shared that the event made them feel more connected to the community and encouraged them to step out of their comfort zone. They enjoyed that students made the event for students. The audience members also had some thoughts on the event. 

“I never knew that there was so much talent in Peoria,” one attendee stated.

The CAB members were able to meet their goals, hoping there will be more participants in the planned events in the near future.