There’s a popular saying that “If you build it, they will come,” and this certainly rings true for the members of Club 419, a self-sustaining music and open mic club that is centered on creating a mutual, positive and fun space that everyone can enjoy, including both Ohio State Mansfield and North Central State University students, as well as the general public. “It’s been a three-year process. We started out running karaoke in the marketplace” said Mantra Das, desktop and education support specialist at Ohio State Mansfield, and organizer of Club 419. “It went pretty well, but we ran out of people who wanted to do it, and the atmosphere wasn’t ideal.”
Club 419 is the Place for Those who Dig Music and Connections
Now, the club is housed within the Student Union on the second floor of Eisenhower Memorial Center, complete with dim, moody lighting, comfortable seating and plenty of instruments to jam out with. “Club 419 is a great open performance area that allows students to express themselves, connect with one another and build a sense of belonging and community,” says David Miller, student leadership and engagement coordinator at Ohio State Mansfield. “Spaces like Club 419 help shape our campus culture by creating a vibrant, inclusive space for students to interact and socialize.”
“The main thing with this is keeping the instruments set up all the time, and now people can just jump up and play” says Mantra. Electric guitars, electric bass, e-drums, acoustic drums, both electric and grand pianos as well as microphones are all instruments that are available for use in the club. Additionally, personal instruments and music equipment are welcome to bring and jam out with. “Everybody’s welcome, there’s no differentiating from members and non-members,” Mantra assures.
Athena Weaver, an Ohio State Mansfield freshman and Animal Sciences major, enjoys the club as an outlet to utilize her musical experience, which includes playing the piano, guitar and singing. “It’s a really enjoyable feeling when there’s other people around that enjoy the same interests as you,” says Athena. “I also like that it’s free and open to anyone. You don’t have to pay for equipment. You can just go in and use it.”
Ryan Earles, a North Central State Information Technology freshman, initially joined the club because of his love for music and now assists in the operating of the club. Ryan describes Club 419 as relaxed and open. “You don’t have to have music experience to be in the music club, we got you” he says.
Cedric Jackson, a North Central State mortuary science student and bishop in the Mansfield community, and who has his own musical experience from being in choir, appreciates the creative and rejuvenating outlet that the club provides. “It’s an outlet for people who are in school or have work all week to come here and let off steam,” he says.
The club holds open mics Monday through Thursday during common hour, 12:30-1:30 p.m., with no participation required, simply show up and have fun, “it’s a relaxed, easy club to be a part of,” says Ryan.
Plans to further develop the space are underway, as the club begins to redecorate its walls with student art and create a more coffee shop-like atmosphere.
You can learn more about Club 419 and all of Ohio State Mansfield’s clubs on the Student Organization web page.