Supportive sharing

Many have a talent to share.

Opportunities may not always present themselves.

That’s the gap Arts Place is looking to eliminate.

After debuting them early this year, Arts Place is bringing back its Open Mic Nights with an outdoor event Thursday in Arts Park.

Portland singer-songwriter and musician Ken Bantz approached Arts Place last year about the possibility of creating performance opportunities in a low-pressure setting.

“What we hope is that people that have some kind of create juice that flows through them, to give them an opportunity to express that in an environment that is supportive,” he said. “And to where they can develop their confidence.”

One of the reasons he was interested in such an event, Bantz said, was because open mics helped him get over performance jitters, built his confidence and pushed him to want to be better. (He has been a performer for decades, including on stage at Arts Place, and has put out several albums.)

The idea led to the first Open Mic Night in early 2025 in the “green room” — a backstage area for performers before, during and after a performance — at Arts Place. A handful of local artists took the opportunity to sing and share other talents with each other.

“Our turnout wasn’t what we hoped for, but on the other hand … we had a poet … I thought that was really cool,” said Bantz. “We had a couple musicians play — we had an exceptional saxophonist …

“I noticed some growth in some people too, which is really cool.”

Open Mic Night will re-launch with the event Thursday in Arts Park, located in front of the Hudson Center for the Visual Arts on the Jay County Campus of Arts Place. Sign-ups for performance slots — they are 10 minutes each — will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the event to follow at 7 p.m. (If all of the performance slots are not filled, those who have already performed will be allowed a second turn.)

Performers of all ages and of any talent are invited to take part. (Bantz mentioned musicians, poets, singers and comedians, noting that karaoke performers should bring their tracks with them.)

Those in attendance are invited to bring snacks, non-alcoholic beverages and lawn chairs. The Bizy Dips food truck will also be on hand. (In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved indoors to the green room.)

“We’re hoping to have some people turn up,” said Bantz. “And bring your friends and family if you need that type of support. It's a supportive environment.”