Reading rocks out! Local musicians gather together at reading school of guitar’s open mic night.
It was standing room only at the First Congregational Church as locals packed into the Guild Room to attend the first Open Mic Night of 2024. A record 16 acts took to the stage, some performers traveling from as far as Haverhill. The audience was treated to a variety of multi-generational performances that included an acoustic folk group, aspiring musicians under 10, a jazz ensemble, singer-songwriters, and a saxophonist to name just a few. Notable performers include Reading band The Reading Rocker, local teen bands Turning Point and Ataraxia, the RMHS Jazz Ensemble, saxophonist Mucio Aquino, one-woman show performer Ann Marie King, and singer-songwriter Jill Ashburner.
Hosted by the Reading School of Guitar in partnership with the Church and Creative Arts, Open Mic Nights have been monthly occurrences in Reading since January 2023. Initially attracting only a few performers, the event has exploded in popularity in the past few months. The February 3rd crowd was the largest to date, with many performers pledging to return at the next opportunity. The next Open Mic Night will be March 2nd; more information on the event can be found at https://fb.me/e/9NPmMJgJ8.
What a gift to the community….Coming together for a shared experience with art is nothing short of sacred.
Theresa W, mother of OMN performer
As a parent of musical kids in the Reading Public School System, I see firsthand the number of talented students and adults in this town, but the opportunities for live music performances are limited to what fits in the school calendar. I decided to do something about it.”
Jon Taubman
Open Mic Nights were brought to life through the efforts of Jon Taubman, a Reading, resident who is the owner and founder of the Reading School of Guitar. With over 30 years as a performing artist, composer, and music educator, Jon has developed a unique approach to learning guitar that he now teaches to the next generation of aspiring musicians.
