

The first time a performer steps on stage, faces the audience and lets it rip is a crucible moment. It’s daunting. Nerves might sink the effort, or courage could lead to a triumphant outing. Anything can happen! And that’s why a local open mic is the ideal place to try out that song, that poem, or that joke. The folks who host, come out to support the acts, and perform are often among the most supportive people in entertainment. They remember their own first performances, and they value the art in their community. Longmont’s open mic scene is flourishing, with regular nights for song, comedy, and poetry. Having spoken with numerous organizers, I can attest to their excitement about the wealth of talent – and fun – that’s happening right here. A Poet and Didn’t Know It? Firehouse Art Center (firehouseart.org, 667 Fourth Ave.) hosts a poetry open mic from 7 – 9 p.m. on the last Friday of each month, except on major holidays. “Raise Your Voice: Poetry Night” began in autumn 2015 with a handful of poets and has grown fast. Christy Felton helps to host and organize the event. She says the poetry night is a great way to hear the voice of the community and make new friends. “It’s a judgment-free opportunity, a beautiful setting with wonderful acoustics, an engaged and interested audience, and quality poems from a wide spectrum of readers,” she says. “Our poets and audiences check their egos at the door and welcome one another in an inspiring and inviting environment. We are fortunate in that our audiences are very respectful and there is not a lot of cross talk and paper shuffling while poets are sharing.” The hosts put out a signup sheet at 6:45, and the length of slots is based on turnout. This is a night for original poetry – your own work. Felton says the popularity of the event brings people who may not have otherwise come by The Firehouse Art Center right into the thick of the shows and events, and allows the word to spread about not only poetry night, but other happenings at Firehouse. Comedy Gold Will that kneeslapper that made your best friend laugh also work on a live audience? It just might, and a local comedy company provides the open mic so you can find out! Longmont’s Bub Comedy (bubcomedy.com) produces comedy shows with an emphasis on “locally brewed laughter” and hopes to open a comedy club in downtown Longmont this year. Their open mic, Barley Har Har, happens at 300 Suns Brewing (335 1st Ave., Unit C) twice a month on first Fridays and third Thursdays. An important detail: Sign up in advance at bubcomedy.com/open-mic-sign-up and read up on the house rules and expectations for comics. “Theoretically, the goal of comedy open mics is to work out new jokes,” says Bub Comedy owner Emily Andrews. “Because of the size and quality of our audience, however, our show organically tends to encourage comics to have tighter sets. While they often work on new material, they interlace that with material that is tried and true. Our comics love this show and work really hard to make sure everyone is having a good time!” Bub Comedy produced 53 shows in 2015 in and around Longmont as well as the first Longmont Laugh Fest. This year they are set to double the amount of shows and more than triple the size and scope of the festival. “An open mic helps attract new comics to the scene we are trying to build and gives a consistent source of comedy to Longmont nightlife,” Andrews explains. “When you can spend your evening laughing and drinking beer with two local businesses, we are helping build economy and culture right at home. We also believe that comedy is for everyone.” Jean Ditslear of 300 Suns Brewing hosts Barley Har Har and is happy that her venue can provide an outlet for comedy. “We love being supportive of the comedians who come in – and Bub Comedy – while being able to give our customers something a little different to enjoy at their local brewery,” she says. “It is always a surprise to hear a new comic from the area who goes on stage for the first time and kills it with great talent. You don’t have to go to Denver for quality comedy.” Pickin’ and Grinnin’ Now this is cool. Longs Peak Pub & Taphouse (mountainsunpub.com, 600 Longs Peak Ave.) hosts an “open bluegrass pick” from 7:30-9:30 p.m. every Wednesday. Host Eric Wiggs plays guitar and usually is accompanied by an upright bass player. Wiggs gets it rolling and the musicians who turn up (all skill levels welcome) join in and participate in selecting the songs and soloing. “We host a bluegrass pick mostly because bluegrass is huge in the Boulder County area and has been for many, many years,” says Longs Peak Pub assistant general manager Chris Dodge. “The area is filled with so much amazing talent and it is fun to see what becomes of these Wednesday night jams. Who knows, the next big thing may just start right here at Longs Peak Pub. The music brings in some folks that might not have come in that night, and that helps the venue’s bottom line. But we are fans of music and love that it brings the community together, so that is really why we do it.” This is Your Song Singers, songwriters, and bands, there’s room for you, too! Music man Brian Rezac hosts open mics at The Speakeasy (thespeakeasy.buzz, 301 Main St.) and Dickens Opera House (dickensoperahouse.com, 300 Main St.) on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. and Thursdays at 7 p.m., respectively. Performers should arrive to either open mic about 15 minutes early to secure a slot. Sarah Carrillo, owner of The Speakeasy, says their open mic has become a dependably good night with lots of great talent. “We’ve seen steady growth, and we have a great crowd,” she says. “There’s so much style out there, especially with the younger crowd. They blend their art forms, and we appreciate when all the performers are welcoming to other artistic expressions.” The Speakeasy is soon to kick off a new Sunday Jam (first one on May 8), in which a house band featuring piano, bass and drums will play along with singers who arrive with a song on their lips. If you’ve never been upstairs at Dickens Opera House to see a performance on the grand stage, the open mic is a wonderful time to do so while supporting local talent. It’s a thrill for performers and audience alike to see someone new take the stage and sing out. “There’s not much I don’t like about open mics,” says Brian Rezac. “One of the best aspects is community. People end up joining bands after showing up at an open mic. I’ve seen all kinds of stuff happen. This time in Longmont is a perfect storm of music. A lot of kids are getting into it, and there are more and more pro-music restaurants and bars coming to town.” If you’re nervous about performing at an open mic, Rezac suggests you just come give it a try. Audiences are overwhelmingly supportive for music, poetry, and comedy, and there’s no time like the present to make your mark. Author’s Note: Want to share a great open mic experience? Connect with me on Twitter @thornberrylives.