The Spotlight On Youth (SOY) open mic series was started in 2004 to provide a place for youth to share their talents and interests with their peers.
You do not have to be a member of a sponsoring organization to participate ~ the events are open to all young people in WNY!

While most participants share their poetry, the SOY open mics welcome:

music ~ vocal or instrumental dance rap photography drawing/painting lip synching

Do you have a favorite poet or author? We encourage you to read his/her work and perhaps share what it is about this artist that attracts you.

If you bring drawings, paintings or photographs, you can take them to the mic and ~ if you want to ~ share the background or anecdotal info about the piece(s). Or. . .if you'd rather, we can display your work in the room during the open mic.

Questions about the SOY events? Or, want to send us your poetry, photos, etc. now for the "Youth Submissions" page?! If so, email ldeant@justbuffalo.org Laurie Dean Torrell is the Executive Director of Just Buffalo Literary Center, located in the Market Arcade.

Check out our "Other Events" page for other youth open mic/coffee house events happening in the area. We will also post info on that page about opportunities to submit your work for publication.