Students and locals alike were treated to a taste of individuality with The Place of Solé Wednesday night.
The event was free and took place at Nigel's Bistro on Main Street, an environment to showcase local talent.
The Ottawa Herald and Ottawa Music sponsored the first event.
The Place of Solé is a new event open to the entire community with a focus on Ottawa University students.
The event kicked off with door prizes and a live performance of traditional Indian music before transitioning to a display of belly dancing provided by the Tara's Grace Belly Dancing Tribe who showed off their prowess in the Arabic art.
Neferet, founding member of the group, enjoyed performing in Ottawa.
"The croawd was wonderful," Neferet said, "They were very interactive. Very gracious with their applause."
Guitarist John Jervis made an appearance as well.
Students also performed their various talents onstage. The student performances included poetry readings by Alexis Reed, Charmeshia McPherson and Nijah Fudge as well as piano and singing by Brittany Fain and Lauren Frazier.
Meagan Wilcox, senior, enjoyed the event and plans on attending future activities.
"I loved it when the OU students got up and sang their stuff," Wilcox said. "It was a great atmosphere for an event like this and there was a good vibe from everyone in there."
The Place of Solé was largely organized by OU student Rachel Brown, senior.
"I see the event as an enhancement of the night life in the Ottawa area and surrounding communities," Brown said. "We just want to provide a venue for people to display and share their individual talents in a comfortable environment."
Brown added that she hopes for The Place of Sole' to become a regular, bi-weekly event offered to OU students.
Check out Nigel's Bistro for more information on future events.