OPEN YOURSELF UP TO OPEN MIC - Connections Magazine ...

By Allison Mowatt

Self-expression is vital to the human psyche, and entertainment in all forms is like air or water; we need it to thrive.? Open mic allows people to express themselves and be entertained in a laid back environment.

Open mic is a live show where anyone can sign up and present their craft, whether it?s a song, poem, a short story, spoken word, a joke, a skit, or any other form of creative expression.?? During an open mic, people approach the ?stage? and test their artistic side out on an audience comprised of people who generally enjoy hearing a variety of performances, have an open mind, and like to have a good time.? Some performances can be light-hearted and witty while others can be on the serious side.? It all depends on the performer and what he or she wants to share with the crowd.

Most open mics are held in coffee houses, pubs, or clubs where people can relax with a beverage or meal in a comfortable, relaxed environment.? Open mic nights appeal to anyone who wants to spend a low-key evening by themselves or with a group of friends for a night out.

Northeastern Pennsylvania has its share of fun places that offer open mic nights.? As long as people are brave enough to take the microphone and people are willing to listen, open mic nights will never go out of style.? Supporting open mics is important so people always have a place to express themselves and be entertained.? Whether you are a performer or an audience member, these cozy and eclectic local establishments are bound to get the creative juices flowing.? If performers have the drive to get up in front of a crowd (which is never easy to do), then they should.? Inspiration may hit someone in the audience and encourage them to share at the next open mic!

Open Mic Locally

The Cooperage Project, 1030 Main Street, Honesdale

The historic John McKenna?s Cooperage building on Main Street recently opened its doors amid an enthusiastic response from the community and is now a thriving, cultural hub for a variety of creative expressions.? The unique, Civil War-era brick structure now features a large stage ideal for many kinds of performances such as open mic, live music featuring everything from jazz to blue grass, theater, concerts, dance, poetry readings, a coffee house series and lectures.? People are invited to BYOB for the live performances.? The spot is also perfect for a variety of programs, classes, meetings, art exhibits, and other community-based activities.

The impressive 7,000 square foot building now houses the Main Street Farmer?s Market, which is held every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. through October with seasonal fruits and vegetables, milk, eggs, cheeses, meats, and herbs from area farms.? In addition, the Farmer?s Market also has jams and jellies, fresh baked breads and desserts, homemade soaps and bath products, maple syrup, honey and granola.? The building also has a kitchen where delicious and healthy farm to table meals are prepared courtesy of the goods supplied from The Anthill Kitchen and served during the Farmer?s Market hours.? This is called the Market Caf?, and every week the menu changes to reflect what is current and in season.? Meals are available for purchase to enjoy on the premises or for take-out to share with family at home.

Open Mic nights are held every other Wednesday from 7 to 10 p.m., so the first Open Mic for September will be on the 5^th.? Doors open at 6 p.m. and donations are greatly appreciated.? Since the Open Mic is held directly after the Market Caf?, a small dinner menu is offered along with coffee and tea as well as the option to BYOB.

The Cooperage Project (also referred to as The Coop) is a non-profit organization and donations are graciously accepted during any performance or event.? The Cooperage invites the Honesdale community to come together and celebrate culture and the arts in a vibrant and historic location.? It?s a place for good times, learning and creative expression.? For more information and up-to-date event listings, visit www.thecooperageproject.org or call (570) 253-2020.

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Harmony Presents at the Hawley Silk Mill, 8 Silk Mill Drive, Hawley

Harmony Presents in the historic Hawley Silk Mill is generating a buzz locally and throughout the surrounding area as an intimate performance space for music, art, poetry, lectures, workshops, theatrical performances and other forms of creative entertainment.

Located next to the Lake Region Fitness Center, Harmony Presents is run by Hawley native Jill Carletti and officially opened last year.? Jill believes innovative performances and creative events can bring people together and encourage them to share their creativity and experiences. The atmosphere gives people that opportunity.

The Hawley Silk Mill was constructed in 1880 and operated as the Bellemonte Silk Mill.? It is largest bluestone building in the world , and these days is a thriving-community based hub of activity featuring a college, a salon and spa, a market with organic produce and other specialty and gourmet food items, the fitness center, a clothing boutique, a country store, and other businesses.? The Cocoon Coffee House, a small bluestone building in the front, further adds to the charm and uniqueness of this local architectural gem.

Harmony Presents seats about 50 people, making it an ideal gathering space for performers and audience members to share their combined experience.? There is an Open Floor night held on the third Thursday of every month from 7:30 to 10 p.m.? The event is open to anyone, and people are encouraged to present their poetry, music, comedy skits, short stories, or any other form of creative expression in a safe, welcoming environment.? This is a free event and donations are appreciated. Light refreshments are provided and people may BYOB.? People are encouraged to attend the Open Floor nights and share their talent.

In addition, Harmony Presents holds a weekly lecture series covering topics ranging from the medicinal benefits of plants to the realities of Pennsylvania law.? Every weekend, people can hear live performances of a variety of musical entertainment from folk to jazz and occasional poetry readings.

Visit www.silkmillharmony.com or like Harmony Presents on Facebook for more information and updates on future performances.? Email Jill at jill@silkmillharmony.com if you are interested in having your own performance, would like to recommend a performer or would like to be added to the mailing list.? People interested in utilizing the space for music and theater rehearsals or practice can contact Jill through email.

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Sticks N Stones Bar and Grill, Route 209 in Marshalls Creek, East Stroudsburg

Sticks N Stones Bar and Grill is one of the hottest sports bars in the Pocono Mountains and the perfect place to perform or attend an open mic night while enjoying delicious food in an interesting woodland-theme atmosphere.

Sticks N Stones Bar and Grill lives up to its name, and the cozy pub?s d?cor features branches and rocks throughout the space, following the idea of bringing the outside elements indoors.? Further adding to its rustic charm is the bar itself, which is made of wood from a 200 year old barn.? Beams frame the bar and several giant screen TVs complete its welcoming feel. It?s also a fun place to be with darts, golf simulation, and arcade games.

The establishment is owned and operated by Jolene and Phil Natosi.? It is a favorite hangout for local residents who love the funky surroundings, the full menu, affordable prices and fun events.? In addition to the regular menu, there is also a bar menu, nightly drink specials and a children?s menu.

Open Mic Nights are held every Thursday.? There is no cover charge or performance fee and performers receive 10 percent off of their food bill.? People participating in Open Mic are limited to three songs or 13 minutes, whichever comes first.? Sign-ups begin at 8 p.m. and the event starts at 9 p.m. until closing.

In addition to Open Mic, Sticks N Stones features other weekly events with a variety of food and drink specials offered each night.? Some of these events are a pool league, a dart league, Mexican Night, Ladies Night, a DJ and Karaoke.

Sticks N Stones is located off of Route 209, near Marshalls Creek, in the complex across from the Pocono Palace Resort. For more information and updates, call (570) 588-5200, visit www.sticksnstonesbarandgrill.com or ?like? it on Facebook.

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Duffy?s Coffee House, 310 S State St, Clarks Summit

What better place to share talent than a coffee house?? At Duffy?s Coffee House, musicians, poets, artists, and other creative people always feel welcome, and Owner Mari Walker enjoys how every day is different and unexpected.

?There are days where musicians just come in to hang out and end up jamming.? You never know when a regular day will turn into a jam session.? It?s a comfortable place for people to relax and not feel rushed.?

The coffee house emits warmth and welcome.? The walls are adorned with artwork by local artists.? ?We feature people of all ages, from students in school to people who are retired.?? The artwork changes every month so you never know whose talent will grace the walls at Duffy?s.

Mari opened the coffee house last November and is pleased that the space allows the community to have a spot to read, work, eat, sip their favorite cup of joe, hang out and chill out.? Mari uses local roaster, Electric City Roasting Company, and features traditional coffee beverages like espresso, lattes, frappes and cappuccinos, as well as a variety of exotic teas. In addition, Duffy?s Coffee House offers fresh baked pastries and flavorful lunch items, such as soup, sandwiches, and salads. Mari even provides a select amount of gluten free foods.

Duffy?s Coffee House currently holds Open Mic every Saturday from 7 1o 10 p.m.? In the future, Mari is considering shifting Open Mic to Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m.? The coffee house is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

For more information, hours and up-to-date details, call (570) 586-1380, ?like? Duffy?s Coffee House on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

Source: http://www.connections-magazine.com/2012-issues/open-yourself-up-to-open-mic/

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