The University Board kicks off its first Open Mic Night of the semester tonight.

Students, faculty and the Charleston community are all welcome to take part in a night of creative expression at the Seattle themed Open Mic Night located at the 7th Street Underground in the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union from 7-9 p.m.

Melissa Sturtevant, a junior journalism major, who will be attending the event, said the past Open Mic nights have been worthwhile.

“It’s a fun place to hang out with friends. (Open Mic Night is) very relaxing,” Sturtevant said.

Mindy Gayheart, student life graduate adviser for the University Board said that Open Mic Night said it is a great way for students to express themselves through song, music and also through spoken word.

“I think it’s important to have Open Mic Night because there are not enough outlets for students to really express themselves,” Gayheart said.

Gayheart said Open Mic Night will be a great opportunity for freshmen to learn who they are and to help them become more social.

The UB coordinators work together to provide the best events; making sure all Eastern’s students have the best college experience.

Cassie Falco, a sophomore family consumer sciences major and the UB main stage coordinator, said the UB events that are fun and free of charge.

“It gives students something positive to do around campus,” Falco said.

Students are encouraged to attend and sign-up to perform at Wednesday night’s event.

There will be raffles and prizes for all, including a grand prize awarded to the Open Mic winner.

Crystal Alston can be reached at 581-7942 or cralston@eiu.edu.