T-Bones Records & Café, in Hattiesburg, will host a free Open Mic Night every Monday at 6 p.m. to allow local artists to gain performance experience.
The first Open Mic Night was held last Monday, and local Hattiesburg artists arrived eager to showcase their talents. Most performers were musicians, but there was also a stand-up comedian and a poet. These weekly events will be free for performers and spectators alike. They will start at 6 p.m. and continue until everyone has performed or until the restaurant closes at 8 p.m. Performers are welcome to bring the instruments, backing tracks and equipment they need, but speakers and the microphone are provided.
“I believe that a need exists in Hattiesburg in the surrounding areas to give new artists, fledgling artists, people who are under development, a chance to perform in front of people,” said T-Bones manager Mik Davis. “When you’re playing and working by yourself, there’s a whole different world than when you sit down in front of a group of people, and you have to go from start to finish and you can’t stop.”
Davis said T-Bones’ goal in hosting these events is to provide an encouraging learning environment for budding local artists.
Everyone will be provided with an equal opportunity at T-Bones Open Mic Nights. The only rules are to be respectful of others and to keep your performance no longer than fifteen minutes. Anyone is welcome to perform, but the small stage can only accommodate one to two people at a time. Performance spots are offered on a first come, first serve basis determined by a sign-up sheet.
Brandon Walker, a young trumpet player from Hattiesburg, was one of the first to perform last Monday night.
“There are a lot of benefits that come with open mics,” Walker said. “Networking especially has been useful.”
Walker said he heard about this event through social media and took the opportunity to put his name out there for people to see. He also said he was given the chance to play on a Christmas album because of a past open mic night he performed at.
“I highly recommend other musicians going to open mic,” Walker added. “There are so many great people making great music, and it needs to be heard.”
Open Mic Night at T-Bones is an opportunity for local artists to gain performance experience, network with other artists in their industry and be a part of a safe learning environment. It will provide entertainment for guests during many future Monday nights.
