Open Mic Monday judges select two winners
For the first time ever, the Historic Ritz Theatre’s Open Mic Monday contest selects co-winners.
Ashley Strickland and Will Fowler, both of Franklin County; and Hailey Little, of Franklin County, and Ethan Smith, of Hart County, the paired duo’s tied for first place in last week’s third round of competition held at the Historic Ritz Theatre on Monday.
Historic Ritz Theatre’s General Manager Keith Kozicki told WNEG News about last Monday’s performance.
“The November Open Mic Monday was by far the strongest in regards to competition; which is why we ended up doing co-winners because we judged them to be equally good and we wanted to have them come back in the finals,” Kozicki said.
The evening’s performances included a variety of live music, poetry and renditions of Broadway show tunes.
Performers hailed from Westminster, South Carolina, as well as Habersham, Hart, Franklin and Stephens counties in Georgia.
Kozicki added that this event is getting quite a reputation as a regional showcase for up-and-coming talent.
The next Historic Ritz Theatre’s Open Mic Monday will be held Dec. 18, starting at 7 p.m. in the Schaefer Center.
If you’re interested in being a performer, you can sign up by email at [email protected] or at the Historic Ritz Theatre on the evening of the show on a first-come, first-up basis.
Contestants can play up to three songs or perform for a maximum of 15 minutes.
As always, the event is free and the public is invited and encouraged to attend.
Winners from each of the four nights will be invited back for a Finals Competition on January 22nd to determine the ultimate Open Mic Monday winner.
The winning performer will get a paid gig as the opening act for the first Ida Cox music series performance in June of 2018.