How Speak Out! Sacramento is changing the open mic scene

Local organization Speak Out! Sacramento provides safe spaces for the city’s artists and visionaries.

Two people on stage hold guitars, while one sings into the mic. A glittery display of rainbow curtains are hung up in the background, with a sign reading "Happy Black History Month." People in the crowd are holding drinks and sharing tables.

Speak Out! Sacramento partners with other local organizations and businesses for each event.

Photo by SACtoday staff

An extrovert’s heaven and an introvert’s refuge — that’s what open mic nights provide for Sacramentans. Founded in December 2016, Speak Out! Sacramento offers a free safe space + spotlight for local talent with themed events and small biz takeovers.

Most recently, Speak Out! partnered with Sac Queer Takeover to celebrate love, heartache, and everything in-between. The normal noisy chaos of the Bear Dive (1330 H St.) subsided as each participant stepped up to the mic, serving up poetry, cover songs, original ballads, and stand-up jokes.

Before the next event, here are some tips for how to get involved:

  • Follow Speak Out! Sacramento on Instagram — they’ll update their bio when the next show is decided + post about it in advance.
  • Follow Sac Queer Takeover on Instagram — not all events are open mics, but each takeover offers new environments as safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ folks. (Pssssst — the next takeover is slated for March 9.)
  • Sign up to be a featured artist with Speak Out! — any and all forms of spoken art are welcome.
  • Own a cool space or venue? Whether it’s a spacious backyard, coffee shop, or even a parking lot, you can sign up to host the next open mic.
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