Fourteen musicians signed up to perform at the Feb. 1 "Open Mic" at the Boothbay Opera House, the second of an annual three-part winter program. The musicians ranged in age, instrument and skill.  Some were just starting out and others were seasoned performers. All had a burning desire to perform in front of a live audience.

As the clock struck 7 p.m., onlookers settled down to be entertained as Benjamin Rumney, student member on the Opera House Board of Trustees put it, "...to have a laugh and listen to hidden talent in the region." Rumney arrived early to set up the sound equipment and prepare the sign-in sheet.  Longtime volunteer and previous board member Susan Brackett said, "The idea of having a student on the board was to encourage students to get involved at the Opera House."

The Open Mic winter programs have been taking place for some time now in January, February and March in the upstairs bar.  They usually attract about a dozen poets, singers, songwriters and musicians who produce a two-hour show. The Open Mic is almost all-volunteer. The entrance fee by donation helps with maintenance costs.  Fresh baked refreshments are offered for a modest fee. 

This evening, some of the musicians were local and some from out of town.  Some were teachers, politicians or municipal leaders.  They sang their hearts out and played their instruments with soul. 

A former student at Boothbay Region High School, Ellie Hilscher, now studying at North Yarmouth Academy, helped at the event and performed two vocals at the piano.  A woman named Darlene sang a ballad she'd written called “Bridge 75,” about a young love on Mackinaw Island in Michigan she still thinks about. Tim Bennett said his music was influenced by the foothills of Georgia where he grew up.  Chip Schwehm sang an original song accompanied by guitar. He missed a line but got a laugh when he said, "You'd think if you wrote a song, you'd remember the lines!" 

Others performed as couples or trios while playing banjos, ukuleles, fiddles and guitars. Tom Crutcher, who worked his way from Franklin, Kentucky to Jefferson, stepped to the microphone with his guitar and sang two powerful, passionate songs he'd written about personal experiences.  His voice had a deep, captivating operatic quality.  The crowd was mesmerized. 

It was like listening to Pavarotti singing country and fitting for an opera house! 

Finally, Alina, on accordion, brought the curtain down playing “Blue Tango,” a popular 1952 Leroy Anderson instrumental piece, while doing a sultry dance routine around the room in red satin shoes.

Brackett said the Opera House is an economic driver for the town.  "Attendance by people from out of town is tremendous, thanks to the caliber of the concerts, great acoustics and variety of programs that set the Opera House apart. The Opera House puts the Boothbay peninsula on the map as well as providing a source of year-round entertainment for the community."  

This winter’s third and last Open Mic is March 1 at 7 p.m.  Musicians can begin signing up at 6:30 p.m.

If interested in volunteering at the Opera House, call 633-5159.