Open Mic at Art Of Noize

This is our monthly open mic jam session for poets, instrumentalists, vocalists, MCs, and anyone willing to share their art. It’s a space where artists are free to create and not required to be as formal as they are in other venues. At our open mic, artists are encouraged to expand the boundaries of their own expression, and perform with artists they normally wouldn’t, and play, sing, rap, or dance as if no one is watching. Participants will either perform alongside live musicians or a DJ.

Here is the flow of the event:

6:30PM - Doors open. Guests can start arriving, view the artwork, and sign up to perform. Music will be provided by DJ Freequincy.

7:30PM - Event starts at Art of Noize

7:30PM - 7:40PM

-Our host, Nerd The Poet will kick off the evening.

7:40PM - 8:00PM Open Mic

-The floor opens up to those who signed up, and will be moderated by the host. Performers can either do covers, an original piece, or create on the spot alongside a DJ or band.

8:10PM - 8:30PM - Artist Spotlight

-We will be featuring an emerging artist during this time.

8:30PM - 9:00PM - The floor will re-open and will be moderated by the host.

9:00PM - Closing remarks / Event Wrap-up

ADMISSION

$10 - EARLY BIRD. Tickets available here.

$15 - GENERAL ADMISSION. Tickets available here. Can also pay at the door.

*Beverages and light refreshments will be available for purchase*

OCTOBER FEATURED ARTIST

Jordan Rivers (@detroitrivers)

Raised in the musically legendary but financially devastated city of Detroit, Michigan Detroit Rivers moved to Washington DC during the height of the economic recession of 2008 to attend Howard University. Detroit Rivers curates the soulful vibes of 90's hip hop and contemporary artists such as: J Dilla, A Tribe Called Quest, Smino and Dom Kennedy. He conveys the real juxtaposition of a generation who is transforming mentally and spiritually while surviving injustices like financial hardships, gentrification, over-policing, mass incarceration, etc. Now a father to a son, Detroit Rivers is fulfilling a mission through music to inspire black men and the like to embrace self-love, emotional & mental wellness, and pure "black boy joy".

Learn more about this month's featured artist here.

MEET OUR HOST

Nerd the Poet (@nerdthepoet)

Dominic “Nerd” McDonald also known as Nerd the Poet (@nerdthepoet), is a young Black Entrepreneur and Spoken Word artist from various cities in Los Angeles, California now living in the DC Metro area. He has put his views on growing up in the inner city between two households, Hip Hop music, being a social outcast, college experiences, and more on paper and created everything from screen plays to magazine articles. In January, 2022 he founded Nerd the Poet Productions, a Poetic Event & Consulting company that curates art-share opportunities and recreational entertainment through spoken word.

His passion comes from serving the community, especially through the arts. He is the 2022 winner of the Day 8 Publishing's "DC Poet Project". And currently he is the 2023 DMV Renaissance Awards Best Male Poet. By writing from his heart and what he sees and hears, he hopes to be a “change agent” to the unheard. He plans to travel spreading his creativity and influence to those who may receive his messages as well as manage and mentor others who decide to walk the same path.

AoN Open Mic Crew also include:

DJ Freequency (@kleluvart) - Sound

Ivanna Ajakpo - Guitar/Live Music (@chompmcnasty)