By Krystle Hively
Metro Monthly Staff Writer
LinMar Strategies for Entertainment held its first “Open Mic Night” in mid-February at their performance space in the National City Bank building in downtown Youngstown.
The local entertainment company, which seeks to showcase local talent, will host this month’s program at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 11. Admission is $7.
LinMar’s “Open Mic Nights” occur the second Friday of each month. Although not required, the program’s sponsors suggest prospective performers preregister.
Debor’ah Benton, executive producer of LinMar Strategies, said the group’s first open mike attracted nearly 100 audience members.
“This is definitely the place to come where you will see and experience entertainment like nothing you’ve ever seen,” said Benton. She said she was blown away by the talent and believes “Open Mic Night” is a great way for performers to market themselves.
“As far as the talent goes . . . I was ecstatic, said Jamhal Simon, a co-producer and member of LinMar’s house band. Simon said the event is a great opportunity for people around here to show their talent.
“I thought it was a great success,” said Alex Hines, co-producer and member of the house band.
February’s production started at 7:45 p.m. and didn’t end until after midnight. Performances ranged from spoken word (with background music from the house band) to rap and jazz.
Although attendance is a open to people of all ages, the minimum age for performers is 17. Benton said an age minimum is required because Lin-Mar wants a “developed and balanced” group of performers. At the first “Open Mic Night,” performers ranged from teen-agers to those in their fifties and sixties.
“The primary requirement is that you keep it clean,” said Benton. She said that she likes to keep everything she does family-friendly and doesn’t want to “violate somebody’s living room,” because performances eventually will be broadcast on television in half hour increments. She said that once the show grows, it will get its own time on the air, but for now, parts of the show also can be viewed on YouTube and other internet Web sites.
“If you’re bringing instruments, it’s definitely a good idea to pre-register so we can get everything set up for you . . . so you’re placed in the right part of the show,” said Benton.
The idea for “Open Mic Night” came from Benton’s daughter, Lindsay, who is a college student in Washington, D.C. Lindsay Benton suggested an open mike night to get local talent out in front of the public. “One of the things I recognized in our community is there are some really talented people,” said Debor’ah Benton.
Debor’ah Benton said “Open Mic Night” is primarily advertised through the “Valley Gold Show,” a local television program that she hosts. It airs at noon on Saturdays.
In addition, LinMar Strategies for Entertainment has created commercials for “Open Mic Night” and airs them during the “Valley Gold Show” on Fox 17/62. (Information on the talent show also is available on the “Valley Gold Show” Web site.)
Benton said good word of mouth and proximity to Youngstown State University, where the program’s producers attend school, has helped.
For more information on “Open Mic Night” or to participate, call 330-746-1109 or visit http://www.linmarstrategies.com.
