6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS LOCAL ARTS DECEMBER 1, 2023 Groundcover's third open mic showcases vendor talents, entrepreneurship MARGARET NEEDHAM U-M student contributor On November 17, Groundcover contributors, vendors and volunteers alike came together at Argus Farm Stop on Liberty Street to celebrate and honor the accomplishments vendors had brought to Groundcover in recent months. With delicious food provided by Pilar’s Tamales and surrounded by good company, vendors were able to share their opinions on various topics, perform songs, as well as speak some of their own inspirational stories and poems, which were both touching and motivating for the listeners in the audience. For me, the most entertaining part of the night was when Desmond, a returning musician and volunteer for Groundcover, played a beautiful piece of music on his cello called “Bridging the Gap.” Composed during the pandemic, this piece focused on the theme of creating human connection — “physical bridges first and then bridges of the sight.” Listening to this, the audience was able to rest and relax their minds before the rest of the speakers gave their testimonies. One special speaker who came up to the mic was Xavier Carbajal, who told stories about his life and meaningful experiences that he has learned from. “God kept me alive to keep fighting, and I don’t understand why,” said Xavier during his testimony. He said that every time he dies, Saint Peter is there waiting for him at the gates of Heaven, urging him to come forward. But, God continues to say to him, “Hold it. Hold it. You’re not done yet, I am sending you back.” Xavier is not sure why God has kept bringing him back, but he knows that he has to fight no matter what. Even though he has been through many hardships over the course of his life, Xavier kept on going and is very successful nowadays, showing everyone that night that it is possible to persevere in the face of hardships and trials. He recommends that everyone reads his books on Amazon, which you can find when you search his name on the website. Later in the night, Groundcover vendor No. 570 Teresa Basham came up to the microphone, despite her stage fright, and talked about her two poetry books. She is currently selling her first book for $40. Once her second book comes in from production in December, she will be selling the two together for $75. She shared one poem from her new book on Friday night, where she emphasized human desire and love. “I am a different breed, no other is made like me. I am a craving soul indeed,” said Teresa. She is extremely passionate about her poems, and she highly encourages everyone to check them out if they get the chance. Despite not being on the signup list to present, Brian was one of the last individuals to speak at Open Mic Night, as he felt a strong desire in his heart to do so. During his time onstage, he highlighted the cover story of one of the last Groundcover issues that was published, in which a man named Shihab Jackson was featured. He sympathized with Jackson’s story and urged the audience to read it, and take action. Going forward, Brian hopes that everyone “always reads Juliano Sanchez, vendor No. 174, orated his two most recent Groundcover articles on mythology. Both Teresa Basham (left) vendor No. 570 and Sandra Gomez (right) vendor No. 61 recited poetry. Groundcover because it’s one of the only places you can find what is happening in our community.” Reflecting upon what these vendors, supporters contributors and of Groundcover had to say at the microphone that night, each story and testimony was truly its own enlightening experience. Because this event does not happen every weekend, the community is encouraged to make it whenever its scheduled, even if they are only able to attend for thirty minutes. As the vendors and staff would say, come out and support Groundcover News if you are able — it would mean the world to them!
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