A crowd slowly gathered around heat lamps and a chocolate fountain as the voices of TCU students echoed through the Commons late Thursday night.

The sounds of Open Mic Night drew large groups of students together who were willing to brave the cold night air in order to hear some of their peers perform.

Leader of theCrew Jesus Contreras organized Thursday’s Open Mic Night, and said that the event is all about showcasing the skills that TCU students have to offer.

“We want to show off the new talent that we have at TCU,” he said. “We wanted to [bring in] people who go to school here so everyone can know that this is what they do, and that they’re talented.”

Organized by theCrew, Open Mic Night is an open forum in which any student throughout campus can come and showcase their musical talents, whether it is as a solo performer, a band, or anything in between, Contreras said.

In addition to providing an open stage for any student to perform on, Open Mic Night provided food and refreshments, namely a large chocolate fountain for attendees to dip various treats into.

The showcase was kicked off with a “Hearty Breakfast for Dinner” in which theCrew offered any passersby a meal of bacon, biscuits and s’mores as they headed out for the night.

Forrest Broyles, member of theCrew and junior business major, said that bringing people together as a campus community is what the organization is all about.

"Building community, that’s our main goal. So friends stop by, and we just talk to them and ask them how their days going,” he said. “We hang out with them and hope we put a smile on their face.”

Member of theCrew and sophomore writing major Leanne O’Donnell said that Open Mic Night is especially successful at creating relationships on TCU’s campus because it gives students a great chance to support each other’s gifts.

“People seem to really rally around the student performers and appreciate each other and that really helps build community on campus," she said.

For the performers, Open Mic Night provides a chance not only to impress their friends, but an opportunity to express themselves, said sophomore economics and finance double major Cody Westphal.

“I work really hard on my music and I spend a lot of time on it, so it’s something that means a lot to me,” he said. “That’s the point of the art, is to share it and express yourself. And what better way to share it than with your friends.”

For information on theCrew and their upcoming events, follow them on Twitter or visit their Facebook Page.