Why I Like Open Mic

By Lese Dunton

To be honest, the only reason I called this story, “Why I Like Open Mic” is because it rhymes. The truth is, I don’t really like open mic. I actually love it very much – and here’s why:

Everyone gets to express themselves creatively in whatever way that is – singing, joke-telling, music-making, or reading poems and stories. There was even a woman dancing between the tables once. It was part of her act.

Anything goes – as long as it doesn’t go over 5 minutes.

This uplifting event happens once or twice a month at the Reverie Room on 163 West 72nd Street. First, you walk into the Hungry & Healthy Marketplace (a few doors west of Tip Top shoes). Once inside, you’ll see a staircase in the back. Simply walk up the stairs and there it is, very welcoming and cozy with dark blue lighting. It’s free – with the purchase of some sort of snack or food at the deli (my favorite is the vegetable panini).

I love that the host and owner, Jonathon Timpanelli, went from musical theatre, to pandemic-induced busking on Columbus Avenue, then singing on cruise ships, starting open mic at Shakespeare Bookstore (now the Strand), meeting his wife and her family on board a cruise ship, marriage, child, and building the now-famous Reverie Room where everyone ends up smiling.

Whomever gets on stage has their own origin story too, which they may or may not reveal. Sometimes we can sense it in the midst of their artistry. One woman said she had intended to sing a sad ballad, but because she had such a downer day, she decided at the last minute to switch to an upbeat tune instead. By encouraging everyone to sing the chorus with her, she improved her mood – and the crowd got happier too.

You will find men, women and kids of all types, with ages ranging all the way from pre-teen to not quite sure. They are such beautiful people to see, like the wonderfully confident 12-year-old named Evelyn belting out the Bruno Mars song, “Grenade” (Gave you all I had and you tossed it in the trash – ooh-ooh – To give me all your love is all I ever ask), and a regular favorite, Anthony, the grey-haired gentleman poet, singing his lovely rendition of the classic hit, “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” (To think they could doubt my love, yet today my love has flown away). All ages understand the ups and downs of life and love, and the healing influence of singing. 

Of course, equally important for the soul is humor. There are so many opportunities to laugh in this place. God bless the brave and cheerful who stand in the spotlight to share their jokes. Like Johnny Carson and Stephen Colbert before them, it doesn’t even matter if the jokes work as intended. Whatever happens, it’s fabulous.

When I read my stories, I tend to keep it mercifully short. Sometimes I get a laugh, mostly without meaning to, and I very much enjoy the surge of relief when it’s over.

I remember when Victor the banker first moved to the Upper West Side from Mexico City. He came to open mic to play guitar and sing beautifully in Spanish, immediately making new friends. Danny the singing storyteller weaves his own songs with great wonder and woe. Isaac can make a rap song out of any word called out from the crowd. How does his brain think that fast? The level of talent is astonishing. Performers are from Broadway, movies, and television too – or they will be very soon.

I love how before the evening begins, people who are performing pretend not to be nervous when they chat with each other (or is it just me?) – and then Jonathon jumps on stage to start the show.  Everyone in the audience has to clap no matter what. You are not allowed to boo or throw tomatoes (although tomatoes are available for purchase). Whether it’s a stunning performance that blows people away or a nervous newcomer who forgets their lines, everyone is given equal applause and encouragement. 

Human beings enjoy the feeling of been seen and heard – and that’s what happens here.

I think if there had to be just one word to describe open mic it would be – fun. 

As we all know, the world desperately needs to be having a bit more fun these days, so by gathering together on the Upper West Side, we are actually performing an important public service. 

They say that when a certain number of people engage in repeated behavior, it reaches a tipping point and then can leap to the rest of the population. It radiates outward.

Therefore, I believe we owe it to humanity to keep on having fun. I have faith we can do this. 

The next open mics are on August 4th and 18th at 7 p.m. Sign-ups for performers start at 6:30 p.m.

Lese Dunton is a writer from the Upper West Side. She just wrote a television pilot called Second Chances.

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