After almost a year of success hosting open mic events like NEPA Scene’s Got Talent for the 21+ crowd, our friends in the Breaking Ground Poets convinced us it was time to collaborate on a monthly all-ages event for younger artists from Northeastern Pennsylvania to express themselves and showcase their work, and judging by the overwhelming response, we’re glad they did.
About 50 people attended the first-ever Youth Scene Open Mic at the new Adezzo coffee shop in downtown Scranton throughout the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 7. With a goal of 15 performers, 19 ended up signing up and sharing their personal poetry, songs, comedy routines, and stories with the intimate and receptive crowd. Minds were opened, friendships were made, and everyone seemed to walk away with a smile.
Youth Scene Open Mic performers:
Poetry: Julia Evans, Tyler McInerny, Jace White, Kyle Marsland, Rhianna Brown, Jake Reilley, Matty B, Rasheid Malette, and Nyasia Smith
Music: J-Squad, James Barrett, Alex O’Brien, Awnshae Smith, Keith Ripley, and Nick Saylock
Comedy: Jillian Chiaro and Ray Meoni
Storytelling: Mason Crawford
The Youth Scene Open Mic will continue on the first Wednesday of every month at Adezzo. Sign-ups are at 6 p.m., and 15 slots are available. Each performer is allotted 5-8 minutes at the mic. All ages are welcome to attend, and while no one who is over 21 will be turned away if they wish to perform, the focus of the night will be on the younger artists. Sign-ups are on a first-come, first-served basis, and the event will wrap up by 8:30 p.m.
Learn more about the Youth Scene Open Mic here. The next event is scheduled for Nov. 4; RSVP on the Facebook event page.
Photos by Robb Malloy/NEPA Scene
Editor’s note: We respect the privacy of all artists and withhold publishing names and photos upon the request of any and all attendees.
