New Open Mic Helps Local Charities

Local performers took the stage for the open mic night at the Reisterstown Center for Spiritual Living last Wednesday. But it wasn't just to share songs and poetry, it was all for a good cause.

The event, which will be held every Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. until August 1, benefits two local nonprofit charities—the and the .

“I love anything that’s local,” said event organizer and host Emma Matthews. Matthews explained that she came up with the idea for an open mic on a whim, with the hope of helping out local charities that were close to her, while providing an outlet for Reisterstown talent.

Matthews also performed Wednesday, reading poetry and playing original music. Other acts included local musicians Cara White, Dylan Lee Brady, Dave Cavalier and Patch Editor Marc Shapiro.

“I go to as many shows as I play,” said Cavalier, who entertained with some stripped down rock songs, “so I’m trying to always bounce around and see and do as much music as possible.”

This was a common sentiment among those in attendance. White, who was involved in the development of the event, hoped that her music and poetry would encourage other less confident local talents to feel more inclined to give performing a shot.

White works at the Association for Animal Rights, a Reisterstown nonprofit no-kill animal rescue center, and expressed that the organization is constantly trying to find ways to bring in money. The proceeds of the event will be split between the Association for Animal Rights and the Community Crisis Center, a nonprofit organization that provides food, clothing and other essential items to the needy residents of Reisterstown.

The turnout for the open mic, while modest, has been increasing, and Matthews hopes more local artists will show up and entertain.

“We’re just here to get together and have some fun and raise some money,” she said. “Anybody that wants to come out and perform, we would love to see it.”

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