Open Mic Night: March 3 is deadline for entries

Thursday, 11 February 2010 00:12

The Mark Twain Library is home to a tradition, first begun in the fall 2005 when young teens gathered at the library to share their time and performance talents with an audience of their peers. The event is Open Mic Night, and it takes place this year on Friday, March 12, from 7 to 9 p.m.; the deadline for acts to sign up is March 3.

“We’d like to get the word out early so that everyone who wants to participate has time to register and get an opportunity to step up to the microphone,” said Lauren Ambler, who is chairing the event for the Mark Twain Library’s Programming Committee. “If you are interested in performing, please register soon and spread the word to your friends!”

MC Tom Cruciani said he is “looking forward to another successful teen Open Mic Night. I’m always amazed at the depth of talent in the town of Redding and am very fortunate to be involved in this event.”

The event involves Redding seventh, eighth and ninth graders sitting around an informal space in a coffeehouse atmosphere munching on snacks, and listening to their friends and classmates take turns at the microphone. Rock music, acoustic ballads, dance and poetry, even stand up comedy, make up the kind of performances that are shared at this event.

Sound equipment, a drum set, and a piano will be made available. All other musical performers must supply their own instruments. Registration forms with information about the event will be available at the library’s front desk over the next few weeks, John Read Middle School and Joel Barlow High School. They will also be available for download on the library’s Web site, www.marktwainlibrary.org. Acts will be scheduled once the registration form is signed and received by the library committee.

Due to the popularity of this event, audience sign-ups are required this year for entrance and will be available mid-February at the library counter once the performances are set. The event is a “drop-off” activity with adult supervision provided by volunteers from the Mark Twain Library Programming Committee. The evening is free of charge, but admission is limited to teens in the seventh, eighth and ninth grades.