Finger snaps instead of claps.

This is what about 40 people heard in the crowded Room 218 of Hubbard Hall last Thursday night.

The event, called “Snaps,” was an open mic night for Wichita State students and people from the community to perform music and poetry.

Alpha Phi Alpha, a social fraternity on campus, sponsored the performance.

Joseph Shepard is the president of Delta Mu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha. Shepard organized the activity and said it was intended to get poets and other talented people together.

“We have so many talented individuals, not only here on campus, but also in the city of Wichita,” Shepard said. “I wanted to add a spin [on the event], and not only invite those who perform poetry, but for those who are able to sing and things of that nature.”

“There is a message in singing, there is a message in poetry and there is a message in spoken word,” he said.

At Snaps, performers vocalized messages of heartbreak, love, domestic violence and the nature of poetry.

The first four performances were by WSU students.

One student sang a cover of Michael Jackson’s “Smile.” The other three performers recited poetry.

In keeping with the event’s name, the audience’s applause consisted of a chorus of snapping instead of clapping.

The next two performers were two poets from the Wichita community.

A 16-year-old high school student performed a three-part piece that was well received by audience members. His piece confronted why he wrote poetry and what it means to him.

Local Wichita slam poet, “Popeye” was one of the last people to perform.

He performed three pieces that addressed issues of domestic violence and judging people by their external appearances.

Afterward, he spoke about the event and what poetry means to him.

“One thing about open mics, you never know what you are going to get. There are a lot of people that say Wichita is boring, but if you ever come to something like this, you would be blown away. There are some very talented people in this city,” Popeye said. “Poetry is a way to escape and express yourself in a world that is trying everything it can to pigeonhole and force you in one direction. It lets you be an individual, which is becoming a rarity.”

Alpha Phi Alpha is looking to make Snaps a monthly event. They are planning to have an open mic night every fourth Thursday for the rest of the academic year.

WSU senior Shelton Ford said he was impressed with the performers.

“It was very creative, and they did a really good job,” Ford said. “It takes a lot of courage to get up in front of people.”