Open Mic Events Offer a Voice to Local Talents

Westchester County is home to a myriad of talent. Several local organizations aim to give these poets, musicians and songwriters the chance to showcase their creative works. Open Mic events foster a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere for those artists to share their labors-of-love or works-in-progress. On the first Wednesday of every month, White Plains Public Library opens its doors each month for an evening of open mic, slam poetry competition, and performances by guest poets from around the world. Due to Independence Day, the July event will take place the following week. Every first Friday of the month, Antonia Arts hosts an eventthat offers poets, writers, singers, musicians and actors “five minutes to share [their] voice[s]” at Studio 4 in Peekskill. On the third Friday of the month, Hudson Valley Writers Center (HVWC) asks guests to “share your words, music or comedy in a nurturing, comfortable space” in Sleepy Hollow. HVWC also holds an additional open mic each month. Though not an “open mic,” Lagond Music School offers a participatory open “jam” on the last Sunday of the month, titled “Adult Jams @ Lagond’s LIVE! from the Haven,” during which musicians of all levels congregate and play on stage with one another. For more info, visit: whiteplainslibrary.org, studio4life.center, writerscenter.org and lagondmusic.org.

Image above: An open mic event at White Plains Public Library (photo courtesy of White Plains Public Library and Eric "Zork" Alan)

A version of this article first appeared in the July-August issue of ArtsNews, ArtsWestchester’s monthly publication. ArtsNews is distributed throughout Westchester County. A digital copy is also available at artsw.org/artsnews.