Open Mic at Toronto Public Library
Behind every good event and program at the library, including the Open Mic at the Toronto Reference Library, is a staff person. My co-worker Will, who is both a librarian and a musician, is the driving force behind this series. He's brought his energy, passion and his skills (not to mention his own acoustic guitar) to set up a performing venue for those interested in music (we have a digital piano) but also poetry, comedy and spoken word are welcome. Will also pulled together the list of resources at the end of this blog post.
You're cordially invited to come share your talents on Tuesday February 20th from 6-8 pm (sign up is at 5:30). This is a free event – open to both teens and adults and no registration is required. If you can't make it this Tuesday, then there will be another Open Mic on Tuesday March 20th also at 6 pm. These events are at the Toronto Reference Library (TRL).
If you're looking for other Open Mic events in Toronto, you could try this Facebook page or this local wiki.
Also at TRL are the Toronto Writers' Co-operative weekly workshops, usually on Sundays (except in July and August when it is bi-weekly) where you will enjoy guest authors, member readings, open mic and publications – your opportunity to polish and perform your work. Free. No registration required. For more information, please contact TOWC at [email protected] or the Languages & Literature Department at 416-393-7085.
Their next few upcoming events are on:
Sun Feb 25
Sun Mar 04
Sun Mar 11
Sun Mar 18
If the Toronto Reference Library is a bit too far for you to go and you're a teen, why not try Teen Open Mic Night at Brentwood Branch?
If you love to sing, rap, perform spoken word or comedy, come show off your talent at the Brentwood Open Mic Night. Too shy to step up to the mic? Bring some friends and cheer others on. For teens ages 13-19. Drop-in. Sign-up to perform starting at 6:45 pm.
Open Mic: Riffs on Life Between Cultures in Ten Voices: Shares stories about growing up in diverse homes or communities, from an Asian youth who gains temporary popularity by making up a false background, to a biracial girl whose father clears subway seats by calmly sitting between two prejudiced women.
There are also many staff committed to working with teens/youth aged 13-19, and they've sponsored the Poetry Saved Our Lives Open Mic series at various branches.
Spoken word artist, Randell Adjei, leads the Poetry Saved Our Lives workshops at McGregor Park and Flemingdon Park Branch. The workshops will provide youth with mentorship and artistic development opportunities, while providing a platform to showcase their artistic talent and develop leadership skills. Come out and work with some of the finest young poets the city has to offer and showcase your talent at open mic events.
Take the Mic: The Art of Performance Poetry, Slam, and the Spoken Word
How to be a Working Comic : An Insider's Guide to a Career in Stand-up Comedy
Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy
SlamNation: "A nonfiction narrative that takes you on a trip through the Slam Poetry phenomenon, following New York City's novice team on its journey to join over 120 spoken word artists on 27 city teams at the National Poetry Slam in Portland, Oregon. Here, SlamNation discovers not only the raw energy and sheer talent of some of the greatest performance poets in the country, but a good old fashioned tale of heroes and villains amidst the dramatic tension of fiery competition. From the inevitable rivalries, highly charged controversies, and unusual characters emerge some classic struggles such as art versus ego, and self-expression versus self-advancement. The stakes are unexpectedly high: audience adulation and thunderous applause that few poets will ever experience."
Karaoke Favorites: 78 Greatest Hits for Open Mic Night
There's also a Lynda.com course called Become a Songwriter.
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