Looking for a place to voice your talent? Open Mic Night at Fireworks offers an inviting environment for artists interested in sharing their music with a warm and welcoming audience.
Every Monday night, their Open Mic Talent Search features some of the best local acoustic acts in the Willamette Valley. Attending the show myself, I was impressed by the quality of the performers and the level of attendance. Having heard much about Fireworks’ Open Mic Talent Search throughout the years I’ve lived in Corvallis, I would say that it definitely lived up to expectations.
As an example of the talent drawn to the open mic night, I spoke for a moment with contestant Michelle Hazelton, recent winner of the KDUK radio and Fox network sponsored X-factor audition in Springfield, soon to take the stage at her final audition in Denver on May 14! With one of the best renditions of “Adele” I’ve ever heard, Peacock employee and frequent karaoke singer Michelle has also lately performed with popular local country-rap act Junior Raimey during his shows at Harrison Bar and Grill. Catching her breath after a rousing performance at Fireworks, she had this to say: “I really think the local music culture is important and getting bigger. At the Peacock, karaoke brings tons of business in and there’s definitely a lot of local talent.”
As Fireworks is a family-friendly restaurant, owner and host of the open mic contest Ocean asks that performers adhere to a few ground rules:
Share time equally, limit volume to acoustic levels, please moderate content in a style befitting of a family-friendly restaurant, and finally, moderate consumption of alcohol.
While the majority of performers are acoustic acts, all artists are welcome to bring in any style, so long as it’s not loud or offensive.
Cash prices are awarded to the top three acts, after which first-place winners are eligible to compete in an Acoustic Showdown playoff.
Sign-up is before 9 p.m. With a $2 purchase, sign-up is free. Additionally there is a $5 entry fee for the Contest Round.
By Joel Southall
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