On February 8th, I attended an Open Mic Night hosted by The LAB in Dobbs Ferry. The LAB program of Westchester is dedicated to being a space where high schoolers can showcase their creativity with their fellow teens. The outlet provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their artistry and talents in a supportive and uplifting environment. The unique, diverse, and inclusive atmosphere welcomes teenagers from all across Westchester to join The LAB. Acknowledging the overwhelming stress and growth that accompanies teenage years, The LAB puts an emphasis on providing an inclusive space for teens. The program hopes to help teens overcome adversities with emotional strength while fostering their interest in performance.
The Open Mic Night is hosted in Dobbs Ferry at the South Presbyterian Church. Students from freshman year all the way through senior year come together and perform as bands, soloists, or simply to experiment and have fun. A one-of-a-kind attribute of these nights is that the Open Mic is run by teenagers themselves. Some performers are able to work behind the scenes on sound, and even on stage in between performances introducing each act, ensuring a seamless experience.
Upon walking into the Open Mic, I was surprised to see the room full. Performers stood in the back unpacking their instruments or finalizing their plans for their sets, while even more teenagers filled up the seats in the audience. The joy of everyone in attendance added to the already lively scene, and anticipation of the audience.
There was a diverse amount of performances, and a range of instruments including guitar, drums, keyboards, voice, and more. Moreover, some students performed multiple times, with friends from different bands, showing the connectedness of their community. Each performer was clearly ecstatic to be at The LAB, influencing the audience to feel the same way. One band called Indecision consisted of one lead guitar, one rhythm guitar, a bass guitar, and a drummer. The band played two covers: In Bloom by Nirvana and Bigmouth Strikes Again by The Smiths. Indecision had an exceptional stage presence, that was simply unforgettable. The talent of the performers was clear, and their energy was infectious. Not only did the performance elevate the night, but it also contributed to the spirit. A duet by senior Melanie Miadelets playing guitar whilst singing, and senior Lily Williams-Ameen on the violin was another captivating performance. The two played Drinking by Boa, and the power in their instruments was felt by everyone in the audience. Finally, to close the show, junior Dylan Selimaj played an original piece on his guitar, with junior Joseph Curanovic as accompaniment on the drums. This last performance displayed the mission of The LAB as a whole: a place for teens to cultivate their creativity and talent, and grow together.
Open mic nights such as this one not only provide teenagers with a platform to express themselves, but they also foster a sense of belonging that resonates far beyond the event itself. As the night came to a close, it was clear that The LAB program is not just about talent, but a unique opportunity for teenagers to express themselves in a supportive environment. This event was a reminder of the importance of spaces like these, where young voices can be heard and celebrated.