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Image for event: After Hours Open Mic Night

After Hours Open Mic Night

2025-08-22 19:00:00 2025-08-22 21:00:00 America/Chicago After Hours Open Mic Night Join us for an evening of artistic expression at this after-hours event, whether you have something to share or just prefer to listen. Refreshments provided. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Please arrive by 7:15 p.m. All music-makers and poets welcome, high school age to adults. To perform, please register. Columbia Public Library - Quiet Reading Room

Friday, August 22
7:00pm - 9:00pm

Columbia Public Library

Quiet Reading Room

Join us for an evening of artistic expression at this after-hours event, whether you have something to share or just prefer to listen. Refreshments provided. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Please arrive by 7:15 p.m. All music-makers and poets welcome, high school age to adults. To perform, please register.

Join us for an evening of artistic expression at this after-hours event, whether you have something to share or just prefer to listen. Refreshments provided.

Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Please arrive by 7:15 p.m.

All music-makers and poets welcome, high school age to adults.

Why come to open mic?

  • Engage in the life-affirming practice of vulnerability and expression.
  • Learn from your fellow artists and participate in a creative community.
  • Enjoy some local music and poetry, for free! 

How do I sign up to perform?

  • Register ahead of time using this Google form to secure a performance slot.
  • If you’re not sure about performing, your participation as a listener is equally appreciated! If you want to attend as an audience member only, no need to register.
  • If you feel inspired to perform once you get here, check in with your hosts. We’ll save some slots for in-person signup

Will any equipment be provided?

  • Our set-up includes three mics and one music stand.
  • We'll also provide an amp for guitarists to plug into.
  • There will be an AUX cord for people who want to perform over instrumental tracks.
  • It is not necessary to use the sound equipment—the space will allow for an acoustic set if you prefer.
  • And that's it! Please do not bring any additional sound equipment.

Anything I should know before I perform or attend?

  • For eight minutes, the mic is yours. For singers, that’s enough time for two to three songs, on average. For poets, it will depend on the length of your pieces. Do not feel obligated to fill your entire time slot, but do take care not to go over. 
  • Double-check that your pieces are appropriate for a mixed-age audience (high school and older). If you’re not sure, ask. Your set should not include any discriminatory or disturbing content. If people of any particular race, gender, disability, or other dimension of identity would feel unsafe or disrespected during your performance, please adjust your material.
  • Listen well! It is incredibly generous of performers to let us into their worlds. Honor their vulnerability by staying quiet and attentive during performances. You never know – someone’s poem or song might contain the words you didn’t even know you were waiting to hear.

AGE GROUP: | Teens | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Music | Featured | Books & Authors |

TAGS: | Writing |

Columbia Public Library

Phone: 573-443-3161

Hours
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Mon, Aug 24 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Aug 25 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Aug 26 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Aug 27 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Aug 28 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Aug 29 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Aug 30 1:00PM to 5:00PM

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Mon, Aug 24, 10:00am - 10:45am
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Tue, Aug 25, 9:30am - 10:15am
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