Youth on the Mic | 5th Anniversary

Youth On-the-Mic is an alternative to the many adult open mics out there. These events provide kids and teens with a place to play and a community of music lovers eager to hear them.

The event is designed as a pressure-free, supportive place for kids to feel not just compelled, but happy and secure to take the chance and perform what they have been practicing at home onstage.

And not just any stage, but the legendary Knickerbocker stage, so it really feels special. Tom Foley, the music school’s director, emcees the event making everyone comfortable and drumming up laughter–he has a way of helping the kids believe in themselves and want to sign up for a turn. In the audience, you will often find Tony Nunes, artistic director of the United with his family, or any of the performers’ teachers and staff from the music school around the corner cheering them on.

They can sing with a karaoke track, drum along with a rock favorite, or perform their own original song. YOM is for youth musicians to showcase what they have ready right now and be congratulated for it and encouraged to keep going. YOM isn’t about liking and sharing, YOM is about, “please! We want to hear from you!” YOM is about finding bandmates! The singer finds the guitarist and keyboard player friends they have been destined to meet.Young musicians will come back every other month and see one another’s progress and gain the confidence to invite one another to collaborate, or attend a gig, or work on something together for next time.

Unspoiled, fun, safe & creative. Simply kids, music and a microphone.