April Open Mic Brings People In by Neal Lemery, Open Mic emcee

            The April 22 Open Mic at YoTime Frozen Yogurt in downtown Tillamook thrilled a standing room only house with enthusiastic readers, singers, and musicians. It was our biggest bill of entertainers and our largest crowd. 
            Five elementary school students from Tillamook’s East School brought their talented voices, sharing music they had performed at their school lunch program. Thank you, Jim Nelson, for encouraging these energetic singers. 
            A visiting trio, Wanderlust, entertained with cello, guitar, and harmonica, including several songs in French.
Denise Harrington, Bev Buffington, Penny Eberle, Josi Mizee, and Joan Cutuly read from their poems, essays, and books.  Thanks, Denise and Josi, for premiering with Art Accelerated! We want to hear more from you.
            The popular local band, The Associates, returned with several rock ‘n roll songs, and Miguel Santos brought us to our feet with his rendition of “LaBamba”. 
            Eric Sappington, one of our county’s most popular entertainers, brought the evening to a close with three original guitar songs, including the debut of his latest composition, much to the delight of the standing room only crowd. His 12 string guitar and his mellow voice rounded out two full hours of local talent and fun.
            Donations help support our children’s art education classes starting this summer and our continuing work on our downtown cooperative art gallery. Help us support local artists and provide them a showcase for their amazing talents.  Look for more pop up art shows and art events later this summer. 
            By popular demand, we are returning to YoTime on Saturday, May 20 for what is now our monthly Open Mic.  See you at 6:30 for an evening of fun and local talent. We hope to host these fun events every month.
            And, mark your calendars.  The Fairview Grange is having their annual Open Mic fundraiser on Saturday, June 30.  We will be there and hope you will be, too, to support the Grange and all of its many community activities.