Do you have a little bit of talent or a lot? Do you think you have none? You can show up to show off at Open Mic. Maple Valley Creative Arts Center opens their door to those who want to test their talent in front of an audience on the last Thursday of each month. The Arts Center invites artists to sign in with their first name and choose the order in which they want to perform – first, last, or inbetween. The limit is ten minutes onstage, equivalent to two songs or poems.
It is common at Open Mic that there will be at least seven artists who join the foray. Some have a semblance of talent while others are almost professional. There have been readings of well-known poets, as well as poetry that the locals have personally composed. There are musicians. There are singers. All of them attend Open Mic to practice, to hone their skills, and to face a live audience. Giving a thumbs up to those who continue to hit the stage on the last Thursday of each month, one event organizer complimented an artist who repeatedly returned to Open Mic night. “The first time you were here, you could hardly play at all,” he told the guitarist.
Using a mic in front of a live audience is itself a challenge, but applause is universal – no one is left out at Open Mic. Everyone applauds. One young man, a baritone, sang lyrics from a children’s book that was put to song. He was obviously headed to a career in the arts, perhaps a male star in an opera. One adult poet titled his creation almost comedically, “The Common Cold and Love.” A younger poet wasn’t sure if he had written a poem or a letter to his lost love. It perfectly fit both scenarios.
A mission statement on the wall at Creative Arts Center states, “Creating Community Through the Arts.” It certainly felt like that goal had been met this month – the mixture had gelled, a community of artists.
Upcoming events at the Center include an atmosphere comparable to a vintage restaurant with round individual tables set up. The audience will be treated to a performance akin to an old-time radio show. It is scheduled Saturday, Feb. 15, 7:00 pm. The next Open Mic is Thursday, Feb. 27, 7:00 pm.
