The Unitarian Universalist Church of the Palouse started hosting open mics to bring varied local performers together, including a woman who sings baroque, and a bluegrass band made up of four brothers.
The next one is scheduled for Saturday.
Peggy Jenkins, the event’s organizer, said money from the open mics helps defray the cost of bringing more popular performers to Moscow.
Jenkins said the UU church is trying to establish itself as a music venue. She said a lot of church members are very musical.
“A lot of people in the church get a lot out of music,” Jenkins said.
Jenkins said she would like to see open mic nights happen at the end of every month.
April Rubino is a yoga instructor who has performed Kirtan, a Hindu call and chant form of singing, at the two previous open mics.
“It’s a nice way to introduce people to something they’ve never encountered before,” Rubino said.
Rubino said she hopes to start offering yoga classes at the UU church more often.
Jenkins said performances of all kinds are welcome. She said bluegrass and folk music has been played, and that they’ve also had spoken-word poetry.
“Join us. Participate. Share whatever talents you have,” Rubino said.
Jenkins said there is always a woman there to sing baroque music.
Lysa Salsbury, program coordinator for the University of Idaho Women’s Center, has also performed at UU open mics. She sings folk music while her partner plays the guitar.
She said the open mic is a good place for first-time public performers because the crowds are supportive.
Salsbury said the open mics also have a family-friendly atmosphere. There are usually refreshments, and beer and wine are also sold.
“It’s just a really fun event,” Salsbury said.
Jenkins said the church was not looking to share any particular message through these open mics.
“We don’t spread a dogma on Sunday morning, we’re not going to do it on Saturday night,” Jenkins said.
Event info
Entrance to the open mic costs $5. The performances begin at 7 p.m. at the UU Church of the Palouse, located at 420 E. Second St.
Kasen Christensen can be reached at [email protected]