Now in its 19th almost 20th year, the open–mic at the Howland Cultural Center offers a wonderful opportunity for musicians and music appreciators to enjoy one of the Hudson Valley’s premier acoustical venues. On every third Friday of the month, host Thom Joyce, known locally as the Acoustic Vagabound, runs an open-mic that is completely different from the standard two songs and you are done format of the area’s many open-mics. The open endedness of the Center’s open-mic allows musicians a chance to stretch out and explore, find their voice and discover new sonic horizons, sometimes with collaborations of other musicians, other times just by themselves, interacting with the amazing acoustics of the architectural gem of the Hudson Valley, the Howland Cultural Center, with it’s vast hardwood high ceilings and open space, all which contribute to the centers unique mystique that is so conducive to creating magical musical moments. The center’s space allows a performer with the opportunity to find within themselves the true expression of their talent, whether it is spoken word, singer songwriter, and bands, or electronic, all are welcomed and allowed to blossom.
So come on out on the third Friday and either sit back in the audience to enjoy all the talent from the local musicians, or put your two cents in and find out what it is like to perform in the sweetest acoustical venue in the Hudson Valley. Sign up starts at 7:30 and the music begins at 8:00. A $3.00 to $5.00 donation is suggested and coffee and tea are sold along with Thom’s brownies and sometimes other treats. A SPLENDID TIME IS GUARANTEED FOR ALL.