MTSU’s Center for Popular Music converted its ‘Reading Room’ into a karaoke bar Tuesday night, inviting students to display their vocal talents and enjoy free food and mocktails with friends.

The center set up a stage in front of its world-renowned vinyl record collection and provided microphones, audio equipment and a screen to display lyrics. Guests could sign up to sing by themselves or with others, sharing their favorite tunes and artists. 

Lincoln Tune, a freshman audio production major, began the night singing “Peace Sells” by Megadeth.

“I figured it’d be fun, I always get emails about stuff that happens here,” Tune said. “I saw it, I saw ‘free pizza,’ and I was like, ‘Hey, I could go sing a song.’”

Tune continued the night singing Radiohead’s “Creep” with his friend Avery Young, a freshman psychology major. Their collaboration encouraged the audience to sing along enthusiastically.

“I told her [Young] about it, and that’s why we came,” Tune said. 

Tune and Young expressed their love for metal music, with Tune listing artists such as Megadeth, Metallica and Slayer. 

“I love Mushroom Head, TOOL, Opeth — those are my top three,” Young said.

Young and Tune also like the American experimental metal band Mudvayne.

The center also provided free food and refreshments for attendees, creating an energetic, social atmosphere similar to a real karaoke bar. About 25 people attended the event, with more than half signing up to sing on stage. 

Some of the night’s highlights were performances of “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton, “Weak” by SWV, “Washing Machine Heart” by Mitski and “I Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston.

The Center for Popular Music plans on continuing this event next semester.

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