Thirsty Hippo holds Open Mic Night

The Thirsty Hippo in downtown Hattiesburg brings fun to an overlooked weekday: Wednesday. Generally, this day is nothing more than a reminder that you are not yet through the week. However, the Hippo's Wednesday Open Mic Night is changing that.

"It's the middle of the week, but you can come to the Hippo," said junior biology major Michael Farmer. Farmer said he has been coming to the Hippo since high school and really enjoys seeing his friends on stage. "It's a good opportunity for them to get exposure and to practice in front of an audience," he said.

The intimate nature of the Hippo allows for personal and involving shows. "Sometimes [when friends are onstage], I'll heckle them, and they'll incorporate that into their material," Farmer said. Comics constantly ask for feedback from the crowd, and it is evident they depend a lot on how the crowd is feeling.

Open Mic Night has been around for years, but only recently it became largely comedic. Regardless of the type of performance, it is an opportunity for locals to try their hand at being on stage, as long as it's original. Songs must be written by the performer, and jokes must be written by the comic.

Open Mic Night participant Robbie Gowdy, a senior from Ridgeland, Miss., said he had a strong sense of audience during his parts. "The stuff I did tonight was all new, and I felt moments where it could have been better."

The Hippo offers more than Wednesday night excitement; it is an opportunity for anyone who has ever had the itch to perform. "I've always lived my life under the illusion that I was funny," Gowdy said. "This was an opportunity to see if I was right."

"I love the rush and the respect," said Corbin McDavitt, a Jones County Junior College freshman. "I'm the youngest comic, and I originally thought it would put me at odds. I can't even buy a beer!" But McDavitt captured the crowd with original jokes taken from his daily life, and he said he can see the humor in everyday situations. "I think of the audience, where I am, and don't care about offending people," McDavitt said.

"I mostly sit around and laugh at funny things from my life, then write it down," said Zach Lamplugh, a recent USM graduate. "I have a journal of funny things. It's really pushed me creatively to focus on something related to my career." An aspiring filmmaker, Lamplugh said he was one of the first comics to join in at the Hippo beginning two weeks after Open Mic Night started.

The environment of the Hippo lends itself to a friendly atmosphere. After a set, comics are rushed by fans, friends and newcomers—people genuinely excited by their effort.

"It's fun because they're funny, but it's funnier because they're my friends," said Farmer.

For returning performers, the exposure is definitely evident. "People will see me around and be like, ‘Hey, you're that funny guy,'" said Lamplugh. He said that is his biggest compliment.