Open mic nights in Jeannette to provide new outlet for local performers, artists

Performers looking to share their artistic craft are getting a chance through new monthly open mic nights in Jeannette.

It’s an opportunity that hasn’t been regularly available in Jeannette since the Keynote Cafe, once a popular spot for local musicians, closed in 2019. Councilman Chad Krawtz said he hopes the fresh offering will fill that void.

“A lot of people don’t have an outlet to share their art,” said Aaron Gray, a co-organizer of the open mic nights.

Wednesday will be the first opportunity for performers to get in front of an audience in downtown Jeannette and connect with like-minded individuals, said Gray, who owns Practice Makes Perfect Music Studio with his wife Julia Gray. For musicians just starting out, an open mic night can be a way for them to grow and get their name out there, he said.

Participants will be able to express themselves through a variety of mediums such as music, singing, acting and poetry in 10- or 20-minute blocks.

“We keep it really inclusive, for all ages, all abilities,” Gray said. “There’s no pressure.”

Practice Makes Perfect is working with You Are Here gallery and Jeannette Recreation Board to organize and host the events at the amphitheater on Clay Avenue. The open mic nights will be held the fourth Wednesday of every month through October from 7-9 p.m.

“We’re looking forward to get this started and getting more events downtown,” Krawtz said.

The Keynote Cafe had regular open mic nights and performers during those events were often tapped to participate in Friday and Saturday night shows at the venue. Local singer Aubrey Burchell often performed there.

She is slated to participate in Wednesday’s open mic night in Jeannette. The Norwin graduate competed on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” and performed in the 2023 season of “America’s Got Talent Presents Super Stars Live” in Las Vegas.

Others scheduled to be featured during the open mic nights are Aaron Gray, Jill Sorrels Urbani and Malik Long.

Donations will be accepted during the open mic nights for Practice Makes Perfect’s Frances Fund, which helps cover the costs of community events and provides affordable access to music and arts education and entertainment. There is no cost for performers to use the studio’s equipment.

The amphitheater is at the intersection of Clay Avenue and South Fifth Street. If there is inclement weather, the event will move across the street to Sobel’s Obscure Brewery, organizers said.

To sign up for a performance slot, visit pmpmusicstudio.com/open-mic. Advance registration was not required but spots were filling up.