“And This Gives Life To Thee Open-Mic” (quote from Shakespeare)
Hello, my name is Cynthia and I am the host of our new monthly Lower Gibsons Open-Mic where people of all ages can gather and share their favourite literature, original or interpretive, in a welcoming second hand bookstore called “Reasons To Live”. Firstly, I would very much like to thank the Neighbourhood Small Grants program for the grant money that supported my vision to have such an open-mic opportunity and has encouraged me to continue taking the lead with it for as long as possible. The photos included with my report will bring you into the second event after the first pilot on June 1/24 with the store co-owner, Calen and myself forming our new relationship and first steps in planning.
I met with Calen a week after the first open-mic. We had eight people attend and I felt the tone and my role as host is to just open the event and not control too much of what happened worked well. Calen agreed. I shared with him part of the grant money in recognition of his commitment to the project by planning to attend each one himself after store hours, clearing the space and bringing in extra chairs for participants. I told him that the grant was short term and he said that he liked our literary partnership and would not worry about receiving funds going forward. There were several people who came to the store during the open-mic which Calen managed well and still was able to participate with his own poetry between times.
Our second event, Saturday July 27/24 6-8pm, was attended by twelve people of all ages: eight brought prepared verses, one ventured to read her own poetry for the first time and another read from a poetry book at the store. The two daughters of one participant, ten and fourteen years of age, asked to just listen, but the older one said at the end that she was inspired to read the next time. There was discussion after most of the presentations. We completed the formal reading session in one and a half hours. There was socializing as participants made there way to leave. In future sessions, we may decide to not have as much commentary after each speaker, but encourage like-minded presenters to discuss at the end, having observed the diversity of different styles and interests during the second session.
Photos were taken by my appointed assistant, Johanna, following my introduction of the grant’s photo policy requiring signatures. Calen gave an original poem at the end of the session which tied many of the themes expressed that evening: growing older, being born and the imagery of the moon connections. We will learn so much from each other and ourselves as well. Taking the “speaking stool” at the front of our space is a new experience for many. The open-mic can be as much or as little preparation for participants as they want or have personal time for. The feedback from a few so far: “I love researching a piece that may be planned for a certain event coming up”, “This really works for me because otherwise I might not read as much these days”.
What I learned from organizing the open-mic project is that starting it was stressful and I am so glad that it worked out so well. I have two strong supporters who are willing to let me take the lead while offering ideas along the way. My previous community connections with the “Sunshine Coast Festival of the Performing Arts” and the Seniors Initiative “Who Cares?” have shown to be invaluable, too. My love of Romantic era sonnet reading and filming experience with the Gibsons Encompass group was the driving force behind the project’s conception. Now, watching others enjoy their moment in front of an appreciative audience, too, brings joy to my heart.
