There are those who speak, look, act, think or communicate differently, but everyone has something valuable to say. That is the focus of “A Different Voice,” the Columbus Arts Council’s season theme. It is also the concept for an open mic Saturday, May 30 that will feature about a dozen local and regional performers at the Rosenzweig Arts Center Omnova Theater at 7 p.m.
Music or spoken word compositions planned range from original work to pieces written, performed or about others who may have a perceived difference or disability.
“That could include, just as examples, music by people like Ray Charles or Bret Michaels to Brian Wilson or Beethoven,” said CAC Program Manager Beverly Norris. “Or it might be songs like ‘Where Have You Been?’ by Kathy Matea, about senior citizens, or Don McLean’s ‘Starry, Starry Night,’ about Vincent van Gogh.
Performers signed up hail from Columbus, Starkville, Aberdeen and Leland. They include Rebecca Amelia Austin, Paul Brady, Steve Butler, Bill Davis, Country Jack Harper, Margaret Mary Henry, Richard Hicks, Jerry Hodson, Mark Huerkamp, Shayla Jefferson, Brittany Radford and Jackson Yeager.
“We’re happy to have several performers taking part in one of our open mics for the first time,” said Norris. “The audience is in for a wonderful variety as we celebrate our ‘Different Voice’ theme.”
Tickets are $8 in advance at the Rosenzweig Arts Center at 501 Main St. in downtown Columbus, Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. They can also be purchased online at columbus-arts.org. Tickets at the door, if available, are $10. Seating is limited. For more information, call 662-328-2787. Follow the CAC on Facebook.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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