Anyone craving creative expression should drop by the Boheme’s Underground Open Mic Night.

Poetry, music and comedy are featured from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m every Tuesday.

“If you want to try out your new material, Tuesday night is the night to do it,” said Peter Sherman, owner of the Boheme, 2900 West St.

Anyone who feels compelled to get on stage can do so at any time during the night.

“It’s a very free-format night,” Sherman said. “There is no sign-up sheet.”

Open mic night is “a way for solo musicians to test out their music,” said Chris Rohret, junior in management information systems. “It’s just a place where you can go and people will honest to God listen to your music.”

Rohret plays drums, piano and guitar. Most of the time he attends open mic night to watch but about once a month he performs.

“I do a mix of covers and originals,” he said.

Tuesday nights bring in different types of people who like to perform and discuss.

It offers “people an alternative environment for interaction,” Sherman said.

However, it’s not a really big night for the Boheme. On a typical night there are between 15 and 20 people in attendance.

“I like that there’s not too many people; they’re there to listen,” said Viviane Vasconcelos, senior in computer science.

Vasconcelos sings and plays guitar. “I think they [the audience] like it. If the people sit there and listen they usually say something.”

“They are very attentive,” Sherman said. “They react in a very positive reinforcing manner even if they don’t agree with the contents of the work.”

People who are afraid to get on stage should know that their performance is highly encouraged, not only from patrons and friends, but also from the owner.

“I do it by example [encouragement]. I get up and express myself. It’s all about sharing,” Sherman said.

“Everyone will give you credit just for getting up there,” Rohret said. “Everybody loves someone new playing. People definitely appreciate anyone getting up on stage. It means you have something to offer.”

“Forget about the audience. We don’t get up there assuming anything. It’s easier after you go up the first time,” said Vasconcelos.

“I will turn down the music and have an uncomfortable lull. If you leave the music down for a little bit they might say, `What the heck?’,” Sherman said.

When people attend open mic night they open themselves up to a variety of feelings.

“The emotions are more complex than happy or sad,” Sherman said. “They aren’t just short-term feelings. It’s more philosophical. `What am I doing with my life?'”

“When you’re playing it depends on what’s going on in your life. You feel vulnerable. I feel like I’m being my true self,” Vasconcelos said.

Other nights open to creative expression are Sunday, which has an open mic, and Wednesday which has live music.

The Boheme is a private club now, which requires a $2 per month membership. Membership cards can be obtained at anytime during business hours. Patrons must be at least 18 years old to enter the Boheme.