HARRISON, N.Y. The Harrison Players held an Open Mic Night Saturday at the Veterans Memorial Building downtown to give local musicians, singers, dancers and poets a chance to perform while raising money for their upcoming comedic play in the fall.
Harrison Players Co-President Jennifer Ricci said that the appeal of the event is that it gives regular people a chance to get onstage and test out some creative material theyve been trying out. Ricci said that the event has been so popular that the group has already held three of them this year.
I think people like coming here because its local and we keep the price down, Ricci said. People have a great time. Its fun to see your friends and neighbors onstage and its also nice to see the talent coming out of this town.
Resident Patrick Ahern, who immigrated to the United States from Ireland in 1949, recited some popular poems and others that he had written. Ahern said that his father and brothers, now both deceased, were big into reciting poetry especially folk tales where a hero emerges victorious.
I used to recite Irish poems around St. Patricks Day at the library in Rye, Ahern said. I just really like doing it. My brother used to call me from Ireland and recite W.C. Fields sketches to me over the phone. I asked him if it was expensive and he told me that his company would pay for it.
Ricci said that the event is not high pressure like other performance places. People are simply encouraged to come and have a good time.
Its an informal event, Ricci said. I think that really appeals to people.
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