Juels Bland performing a song at open mic night at The Board and Brew.

Open Mic Nightcq at The Board and Brewsc brings in people of all ages for a night of music and poetrycq.

Since opening in Junecq, The Board and Brew has held open mic nights every Tuesdaycq from 7-10 p.m.cq

“I try to foster an environment where everything is comfortable and everyone is supportive,” said Rob Hinkalsc, the man behindcq Open Mic Night.

Hinkal said people with all types of experience and styles perform, whether they “picked up a guitar earlier in the week and learned how to play ‘Puff the Magic Dragonsc’” or have been performing for years.

“It’s a beautiful mixed bag of stuff,” Hinkal said. “My job is to give it some place to happen.”

On an average night there are 10-15 performers, Hinkal said. The performers set up in the open space behind the shelves of gamesrf. Tables, chairs and couches are arranged around the performers to create a makeshift theater.rf

There’s no need to sign up in advance to ensure your spot – performers are asked to arrive at 6 p.m.cq to sign up for a time slot.

Performers are given 10 minutes or two songscq for their set, whichever comes firstcq. Hinkal doesn’t set any restrictions on content but tells performers to keep language to a PG-13 rating.

Hinkal said that if it’s said on the radio, it’s welcome at Open Mic Night. He tries to maintain a family setting because people of all ages are in the audience.

Want your mom to watch you perform? She can! Open Mic Nights can be viewed via live webcast on tv.ilyaimy.com.

Harlie Pietrangelosc, a freshman history majorrf, found out about Open Mic Night from a girl in her history lecture. She is a seasoned performer, doing slam poetry readings for more than two years at Loser Slamsc in New Jerseycq, but was still nervous to perform.

“I get nervous every time,” Pietrangelo said. “I don’t know how my poetry is going to be received.”

Dennis Mendizabalsc, a freshman at Prince George’s Community Collegesc/rf, also recited poetry. Though he has only performed one other time at his high school, he wasn’t nervous. He said he knew what to expect.

Mendizabal said he found out about the event just from Googling “open mic night.”

“This is my chance,” he said.

The Board and Brew strives to create a family-friendly, inclusive environment designed to make any and all performers feel comfortable, regardless of experience level. Perfromances are broadcast live on tv.ilyaimy.com.

For more information about open mic nights, contact Rob Hinkal at rob@ilyaimy.com.