We Are Community Open Mic

11/04/2019

Hello everyone,
As many of you know, open mic is no longer at Zero Degrees. I started this open mic in May of 2008, and since then, we've been through so much. The truth is that since The City refused to let me uphold a ban against a bully/harasser, and took open mic instead, it hasn't been the same. I thought that our community would have been more supportive, but many stayed at Cedar after the city took it from me. I was fighting to keep and maintain our open mic for a considerable time, after the incident; and Zero Degrees took us in. Inevitably, too much weight was placed on my shoulders to try and bring in both business and new performers, which led to our downfall there.
Much like this issues that we used to have at Cedar with rude patrons, the same thing happened at Zero Degrees.
What will always make this open mic special is that it's more than an open mic; it's a family, and there's been so much love shared among us; and that is why I keep going.
I'm at a crossroads now, because we once again have no home, and I can't help but feel that all of my years of effort in trying to maintain our open mic has actually been shot down by both the city, and the community. I don't know if I have anymore fight left in me, and even my partners who help with open mic seem to have given up.
I can't express how hard it is to put more than 12 years of your life into something meant to bring joy, and provide safety, only to repeatedly have it taken. You've heard how I feel, as a hostess and human being, so what I need now....is a reason to keep fighting, because I've been kinda hopeless. I've always been transparent with you, and I always will be. Do you still see a future for open mic? if so why, or why not?

I love you all,
Michelle Marie

01/11/2019

Remember, even though we’re at Zero Degrees now, we’re still the original Cedar Open Mic.

01/03/2019

Tonight is the first open mic of the New Year, I didn’t book a feature so it’s purely a varied performer showcase. It’s hard not to be emotional over open mic, because it’s been my life’s work.
It’s not just an open mic, it’s a sanctuary. It’s never been about how big or small we could be, it’s about the love and honor shared among artists. I’ve never just announced people, I’ve made it a point to engage and address their efforts. It’s never just been an open mic, and it’s never just been about the stage.
I can’t apologize to performers whom only want to play to tons of people, or merely want a stage for the aesthetic. I also don’t regret the years of fighting for open mic, some from which has been public, and some from which has not been.
Community matters because sometimes all we have is each other, and we must build one another up, as the world tries to beat us down. Our open mic is a home away from home, and place of respect and acceptance. Bullying, disrespect, and violence have no place in our home.
I want to start this New Year, reminding you all that we will always be here for you, come he’ll or high water. Myself, Steve Fiche, and Jake Alan Andrews are strong, and proud hosts, sound techs, and mentors. There is no battle that you can face without us joining you. Happy New Years from the original Cedar Open Mic Family.

11/15/2018

05/02/2018

Tomorrow evening will not be like other OG Cedar Open Mic nights. There will be very few regular 7 minute sign ups, if we do actually have them.
Tomorrow night is dedicated to our open mic family whom is no longer with us.

Danny Hernandez will be doing a 15 min. tribute to Ainsley Hall Hubbard

Veronica Mariz will be doing a 20 minute tribute to Victor Leyva

Jake Schwartz and friend will also be doing a tribute to Victor, but for 15 minutes.

Jared Javier will be doing a 20 minute tribute to Hamza Shabaan
There will also be photo dedications for America Daniels, Danny Boswell, and Blake Brazeal.

This is a night dedicated to those whom helped make us who we are, and are no longer with us. Please come and show support.

03/08/2018

We need active community members running this city; and with so many big name franchises popping up, we need someone looking out for small businesses locally.
Instead of complaining about how the city is being run, contribute to it changing, and vote Brian Avery for city council.

01/18/2018

Due to scheduling conficts, the original Cedar Open Mic will now be held at Zero Degrees on Lancaster Blvd, directly across the street from our previous location at the coffee shop.

11/22/2017

With Thanksgiving being Thursday, open mic will be at American Heroes Park. We’ll also have a nice dinner set up for those of you without anywhere to go for dinner.
I’m sorry if you don’t have a family during the holidays, but don’t forget that you’re in our open mic family. We’ll be at the park at 6:30, bring an instrument, or just yourselves, either way, we’ll see you then!