Rick StiebelThe Chronicle
If you’ve ever dreamt of opening for the headliner to show off your musical chops, here’s your chance.
This year’s series of open mic evenings Open Stage, presented by the Cowichan Valley Cultural Arts Society, starts again at St. Michael’s Church in Chemainus with Deaf Aids, an acoustic Beatles tribute band, performing on Oct. 15. The Deaf Aids repertoire focuses on songs from the Beatles’ first album, Please Please Me, to the sixth, Rubber Soul.
The good news for local artists is that there are openings available for the open mike portion of the show before the Deaf Aids concert, where you can lay down three songs to a maximum of 15 minutes.
The sound gear is provided for those who want to play and sing, explained Bob Johns, director of Chemainus Valley Cultural Society.
“These events are a lot of fun,” Johns noted. “We’re always surprised by the level of talent and you never know where it’s going to go. It provides a great venue for people who like to perform in front of a live audience but don’t usually get the chance.”
If you’re interested in signing up, book ahead by calling Johns at 250-246-1389, or check out open stage@cvcas.com to ensure organizers can fit you in.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the first performer taking the stage at 6:45 p.m. There will be a short intermission between the open mike portion and the Deaf Aids show, which begins at 8:15 p.m..
Admission is free for open participants, and $5 for everyone else.
“It’s a great value and a wonderful night out,” Johns added. The series will continue on the third Saturday of the month until the summer. Refreshments are available.
St. Michael’s Hall is next to St. Michael’s Anglican Church at 2858 Mill St.