OPEN MIC NIGHT AT ALDERSON DEPOT

The Town of Alderson and Alderson Main Street have announced a new event—Open Mic Night at the Historic 1896 C & O Depot, 1 Railroad Avenue in Alderson. The purpose of Open Mic Night is twofold. First, it provides a non-threatening environment for practicing musicians (non-professional) to play for a small audience and be with other musicians. The second purpose is to provide a family-friendly activity for residents and visitors in Alderson and the surrounding area. The event will be held the first Saturday of the month, May through October, 6-9 pm, and rain or shine. The first event will be Saturday, May 7. Interested musicians should email their interest or questions to openmicatthedepot@gmail.com. The amount of time for one performer to play is dependent on the number of people who sign up. Six acts, for example, will each get approximately 20 minutes to play with 10 minutes to set up in between performers. Twelve acts would get only 10 minutes. Don and Marcia Sutherland, the event organizers, will provide the basic sound equipment. Participants must bring everything else, including instruments, mic stands and microphones, as well as music stands and chairs. The performers will be set up inside the depot, with audience and waiting performers sitting outside on the station platform or on the grass. The audience should bring their own chairs or blankets. Restrooms are available and participants and audience are welcome to bring their own food/drink (NO ALCOHOL). Don Sutherland said, “We are looking for family-friendly music, especially American Roots Music of old country, bluegrass, newgrass, blues, and gospel.” There is no registration fee for this event, and performers will not be paid. Performers are welcome to place a tip jar while they are performing.