The day I turned 16, I felt independent for the first time. Driverβs license in tow, I was free to go wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted. With this newfound independence, my friends and I decided it was time to participate in more adult-like pastimes. Yet, with our blaringly young appearances and goody-two-shoes attitudes, the only adult-like pastime we could participate in was coffee-shop hangouts.
So coffee-shop hangouts it was. Every Wednesday, my three best friends and I would leave home after dinner and drive the three-block distance to our local coffee shop. Here we would chat and gossip, as we imagined our mature, adult moms would do, and then we snapped back to our 16-year-old reality and worked on homework. Then one day, our already fabulous Wednesday traditions took a turn for the better. Our local coffee shop started holding open mic nights.
The talent at these open mic nights generally consisted of a creepy drug addict that thought he was the next Eminem, a greasy-haired guitar player, a jolly Bob Dylan impersonator and a band of two guys who played drums with their feet (we became their only groupies). Though this was a random hodgepodge, it turned into a community consisting of people willing to put it all on the line by sharing their talents. There were also spectators who were nonjudgmental and receptive to their music, regardless of how it sounded.
Coming to Omaha, I longed to find another open mic night atmosphere, but it was not until this past Monday that I finally found the perfect place.
Aromaβs Cafe in Benson is home to the open mic night hosted by the 402 Arts Collective. It provides the perfect setting for an open mic night. With brick walls, perfect mood lighting and delicious cupcakes, the cafe masters the urban-meets-cozy vibe. A complete stage with lights and microphone provide an ideal space for brave open mic acts to shine.
This event, lasting from 6-9 p.m. every Monday, provides the opportunity for talented musicians to share their musical gifts and for the newly musical to experiment performing in front of groups. It is a great way to hear local music in a calming and relaxing environment.
Featuring punky teens, classic old men and hip 20-somethingβs, the open mic show is just that β open. There are limitless possibilities for what one might discover when attending an open mic night, which adds to the excitement. With no pressure of dancing or cheering, one can simply witness the wonders of a person exposing his or her voice to the world.
Whether looking for a place to debut your musical prowess or searching for a vibrant study atmosphere, the open mic night at Aromaβs in Benson will not disappoint.