Photos: All Hallow's Eve Open Mic

“Totem Star really, really pushes us to become better artists, producers, musicians all around…and all together it’s been a wonderful experience.” The audience at the All Hallow’s Eve open mic heard an incredible story about artistic and social development, told by emcee Paris who hosted the event last Thursday. Having received his diploma from the Southwest Interagency Academy and participated in programs with organizations like the Service Board and Arts Corps, he is an example for all young artists and entrepreneurs by engaging with the wide spectrum of opportunities and resources available at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center.

The typical quarterly Totem Star open mic is like a mini arts and music festival. A lineup of rappers will take to the stage, rhyming over bass-heavy beats they produced. A soul/R&B group will get the audience out of their seats to close their eyes and shake their hips, while a hardcore punk band will jumpstart headbanging and moshing. Spoken word poets will unzip, unpack, and liberate the minds of audience members with personal stories of overcoming oppression. DJs spin electronic dance music while a singer/songwriter pulls up a stool and cradles an acoustic guitar.

The All Hallow’s Eve open mic was no exception, with every performance slot on the sign up sheet filled. With pepperoni and cheese pies donated by Proletariat Pizza and a seemingly bottomless coffee pot provided by Dubsea Coffee, everyone in attendance contributed to a nourishing and positive vibe. Huge thanks to the Office of Arts & Culture for sponsoring the open mic event through their Civic Partners funding program!

Photos: Derek Edamura http://derekedamura.wordpress.com

All Hallow's Eve Open Mic And Art Pop Up

For the next quarterly open mic we’re hosting an All Hallow’s Eve costume party on Thursday October 30 from 4:45-6:45pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (see map). As always, it is an all-ages event open to the general public and guaranteed to be a great time!

If this is your first time attending a Totem Star open mic, welcome to the fam! You will experience performances by live bands, rappers, spoken word poets, DJs, and more! And for the first time we are curating a pop up art gallery. This is for you – a space where music, art, and creative minds like yours collide. Meet awesome people, enjoy free snacks and refreshments, and by all means, don’t hesitate to sign up for a performance slot or a space to showcase your work at our pop up art gallery. Space and time fill up fast! Here’s more detailed info:

For Performers:
– we will provide stage, sound, lights, and backline including drums, bass, guitar amps, vocal mics, and a keyboard
– feel free to bring instrumental tracks in any media format
– sign ups start at 4:00pm when doors open
– if you would like to pre-register, send an email to totemstarrecords@gmail.com with a description of what kind of performance you will be doing and your technical needs
– you may arrive at the venue two hours before show time if you would like a soundcheck (if time permits)

For Visual Artists:
– we will provide an open space to showcase your work
– visual artists are encouraged to bring their own installation materials with which to display work
– send an email to totemstarrecords@gmail.com with a detailed description of your work and any installation questions or concerns
– you may arrive at the venue two hours before show time to load in your work and begin installation

Thanks to the Office of Arts & Culture for sponsoring yet another Totem Star event! #CivicPartners