Inaugural Open Mic Monday slated for Jan. 22

Open Mic Monday at the Historic Ritz Theatre in the Schafer Center finished up the preliminary rounds for the inaugural Open Mic Monday competition, slated for Monday, Jan. 22, at the Historic Ritz Theatre, this past Monday night.

On Dec. 19, father and daughter duo, Marion Montgomery and Maribel Montgomery-Anderson, from Danielsville and Toccoa, respectively, were named the winners for the month of December.

Judges selected the pair over ten other contestants.

The night featured a variety of entertainment from solo guitar, various musical combo configurations, solo piano, spoken word, and stand-up comedy.

Ritz Theatre General Manager Keith Kozicki told WNEG News about how popular the event has become.

Kelly McCoy, who served as one of the judges, said quote “this event just keeps getting better and better.  Anytime you have a dozen or so people coming in with guitar and mandolin cases or bringing a full drum set you know you are in for a great night of entertainment,” end quote.

The Grand Finale will include performances by September’s winner Ethan Phillips; October’s winners Daniel Mack and Clint Coker; and November’s co-winners Ashley Strickland and Will Fowler, and Hailey Little and Ethan Smith; and lastly, December’s winners Marion Montgomery and Maribel Montgomery-Anderson.

The Grand Finale is free and open to the public, Kozicki added.

The winning talent will be paid to perform as an opening act for the upcoming Ida Cox music series performance in the Summer of 2018.

For more information about Open Mic Monday, contact Kozicki, at 706-282-3232.