Open Mic

I thought I would share my recent open mic experience. So here goes....

I have been meaning to get back into the poetry scene, but haven't really had the time. Plus, I haven't written any good poetry in a long time. So I decided to make it a full event and invite some of my friends. I made an Evite and everything.

I had no idea where to go because the spot I used to go to closed down. So I emailed a dope poet that used to do features all the time when I first started performing, in what seems like ages ago, and he sent me a list of the best spots in the area.

It wasn't going to be anything special, but just a chance for us to hang out and for my friends to get to know each other (I have friends from all walks of life & we never hang out as one group). And it was also a chance for some of my friends to see me perform. I didn't realize that many of them didn't even know that I write. The spot is dress code and I'm running late because I'm doing my hair real nice and getting all dolled up. I get there and the place is packed, hardly any seats left. I asked the DJ where to sign up and put my name about 1/2 down the list. I definitely didn't want to go first.

My friends and I sit down and listen to the music and catch up. It was nice to see them. We, or should I say, I don't get out much. After about 20-30 minutes the MC finally goes up to the mic and starts the night. He calls the first name, no one stands.... And then to my surprise, he calls my name! I'm like WHAT??? I look at my friends like 'did he just call me???' Yeah, well my name is hard to mistake for someone else's. I couldn't believe that I was called first, especailly since I put my name 1/2 down the list. So I get up and walk toward the mic and this is what happened...

The MC adjusts the mic, bringing it down real low because I'm barely over five feet tall. I get on the mic and introduce myself. Here's what I say:

Me: Okay, so how's is everyone doing tonight?
Crowd: Good!
Me: Okay, so I haven't been on the mic in four years so....
MC (interrupting me): You haven't been on the mic in four years?
Me: Yeah!
MC: Well, we usually do this for the first timers, but since you haven't been on the mic in awhile, we'll do it for you too. (I'm looking at him like, do WHAT?)
MC: Go to the corner! (Pointing toward the entrance) (I'm looking at him like, what am I five and your sending me to my room. Why do I have to go to the corner?)
MC: Don't worry, you're not in trouble. Just go to the corner.
(So I walk to the corner.)
MC: Okay, so I know it can be a little intimidating being on the mic and all, so what I want you to do, NAME, is walk over to the mic with the most confidence you got and come and rock the mic. Can you do that?
Me: Yeah!

So I start walking and the crowd goes crazy. Screaming, clapping! I felt like Whitney Houston at a concert or something. It was CRAZY!! And I think that it actually made me more nervous than I was, but it was fun. I'm back at the mic and I start doing my piece. It's my favorite piece. I wrote it for my honey. It's about when you first realize your in love with someone and what that feels like.

I was looking around the room and the crowd liked it. They cheered so loud at the end. It was very nice. I can't wait to go back.