Veteran Community Open Mic

THE VETERANS' OPEN MIC IS BACK!

Sunday, October 3, 2021

6:30-9pm EDT 

Outdoors @ The Straz Center Riverwalk Tent 

Back by popular demand, with new partners! Art2Action, Paint22, and the Straz Salutes program of the Straz Center for the Performing Arts present the Veteran Community Open Mic, with a special welcome from nationally acclaimed, Tampa Bay-based Jazz great and Marine Corps veteran Fred Johnson, Open Mic co-hosts Andrea Assaf & poet-veteran J-9, and your favorite old-school Soul & Hip Hop DJ Cotton! Now, this quarterly event will also feature a visual arts exhibit curated by Paint22. On October 3rd, the featured visual artist will be Coast Guard veteran Jack Yontz. 

ALL ARTISTS, VETERANS, FAMILY MEMBERS, FRIENDS & SUPPORTERS WELCOME!

The Veteran Community Open Mic is a creative space for Veterans, families, community members, caregivers, allies, and Artists of all kinds. It's a creative and courageous space, where all people are welcome regardless of identity, a space where we can bring our full selves, listen, share, and grow together.  

Open Mic sign-up spots are up to 5 minutes each, in any genre or creative form.  

First time on the mic? Seasoned poet, musician or storyteller? Just want to listen? No problem! Your level of involvement is what you want it to be, no pressure! You can sign-up to share, or just listen in.

FREE Event + FREE Beverages for All! 

(No more drink tickets, veterans!) Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required. You can sign-up for the Open Mic in advance, through this registration form. OR, you're welcome to just show up, bring friends, and sign-up if you get inspired! 

SAVE THE DATES: The Veteran Community Open Mic will be held quarterly this year, for the 2021-22 season, at the Straz Center. Stay tuned for Sunday date confirmations in January, March, and June!

Follow us on social media with the hashtag: #VeteransOpenMic 

The presenting partners are committed to providing a safe, respectful, welcoming & positive community environment for all. Because we believe in protecting each other during the COVID-19 pandemic, masks are required on the Straz Center premises, and social distancing is encouraged. Art2Action respectfully requests that maintain an alcohol/substance-free and weapons-free environment. Please note that this event will be photographed and recorded.

This project is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts (Section 286.25, Florida Statutes).