Victoria’s New, Inclusive OPEN MIC Coffee House
New Open Mic Celebrates Inclusion
Victoria’s newest Open Mic Coffee House is truly inclusive, welcoming performers and audience members of all abilities and ages. Held on select Saturday evenings in the former SJ Willis School building, the sessions include performers from first timers to professionals.
“Original and cover songs of all styles, poetry, comedy, karaoke, story-telling…we’ve had it all” says Peter Brimacombe, one of the event organizers. “We’ve had performers from 8 years to 80, some challenged with disability and many seasoned performers. All get a lot of love, and audience members really enjoy the diversity of performances. Every night is different, every performance is a surprise” says Brimacombe.
Each night also features an outstanding, professional guest performer or group including some of Vancouver Island’s most outstanding performing artists.
“Admission is free or by donation and we’re wheelchair accessible” says Brimacombe. “There’s also a wide range of refreshments available at reasonable prices (including fresh-popped pop corn).”
The initiative is a partnership venture between two local charities…West Coast REACH Association and Garth Homer Society, with support from Victoria Foundation. “It’s all about building community and celebrating inclusion” says Brimacombe, “and the evenings are truly joyful.”
Sessions are 6:30-8:00 p.m. (doors at 6:00 p.m.) on select Saturdays in the Learning Commons Room in the former SJ Willis School, 923 Topaz Ave. (off Gillie Place). Upcoming dates and special guest performers this term are Sept. 19 – Kelly Fawcett; Oct. 3 – Laura Deviato with Olimpo Ortega; Nov. 7 – Sunny Shams; Nov. 21 – Victoria Salty Singers; Dec. 5 – Peter Bourne.
The schedule is also posted on the West Coast Reach Association website.