BELLEFONTE — The Gamble Mill is excited to celebrate the start of the fifth season of its monthly Speakeasy Open Mic, with upcoming events on Wednesday, July 29, and Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 7 to 9 p.m.
The fifth year marks an important milestone for the Open Mic, which has featured a wide range of performers and helped contribute to the strong local arts community in Bellefonte. The events enjoy a loyal following and continue to provide an opportunity for performers of all ability levels — from true beginners to experienced pros — to entertain in an intimate, listening environment.
“Our audiences are such an important part of the evenings,” notes Bellefonte songwriter and guitarist Stacy Glen Tibbetts, who hosts the open mic. “They tend to be warm, receptive, open to whatever the performers bring, and generous in recognizing the talent. We’ve even had local producers and venue owners dropping in to scout new talent for other opportunities.”
The first Speakeasy Open Mic was produced in late July 2022, by Gamble Mill co-owner Jon Virgilio. A longtime music fan, he was hoping to encourage local talent to discover the elegant, newly renovated function room, which features intimate secluded seating, leather couches, exposed wooden beams, mirrors and drapes, a fireplace, and even a secret entrance behind a painting.
The idea sprang from a previous successful open mic that had been hosted by Queen Bee and the Blue Hornet Band guitarist Mark Ross in the upstairs restaurant at the Mill.
Over the past four years, the Speakeasy Open Mic has grown into a welcoming space for local musicians, poets, comedians, and other performers to share their work. Audience members can come and go throughout the evening and enjoy drinks from The Republic cocktail bar just across the hall.
Tibbetts, who performed at the first event and agreed to help with subsequent shows, now serves as the open mic host/MC, welcoming and introducing performers, ensuring sound quality, and keeping the night on schedule.
“It’s been a great ride,” he notes, “with dozens of memorable moments and performers. Some beginners have heard their first applause here, and we’ve also had plenty of veteran musicians try out new material or new bands.”
The Open Mic takes place on the final Wednesday of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. and all performing artists are welcome. Performers are encouraged to follow the Gamble Mill on social media for upcoming dates and to sign up in advance by emailing gamblemillbellefonte@gmail.com. The 15-minute performance slots are limited and fill quickly each month.
