The Rocky Neck Art Colony in Gloucester, MA, is trying something new — the first night of their seasonal NIGHTS ON THE NECK program, which runs the first Thursday of every month, June thru October, from 5-9pm, will be replaced on June 5th (only) by OPEN MIC ON THE NECK.

OPEN MIC ON THE NECK is open to all performers — musicians, dancers, poets, prose readers, etc. — to come down to Rocky Neck and do your stuff. Galleries, front porches, and lawns along Rocky Neck Avenue will be available for you to perform (you can sign up in advance for a space by e-mailing NoTeaParty@yahoo.com, or you can just show up and find a space yourself).

All are welcome to participate as either performers or audience! Our only stipulation is no amplified music outside (low amplification inside is okay), and please play well with others!

We do have several confirmed performers:

Janice Fullman, local singer, songwriter, music teacher and photographer, will be playing guitar and singing. Her material includes folk songs, pop and classic rock – the unplugged version! – and her own original songs.

Rick Drost will perform his “timeless romantic ballads; country with a twist.” Rick performs his own songs along with covers of songs old and new that have reached him since he started performing out in the late ’60s. Rick lists his major influences as Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Brahms, Mozart, and Julia Child.

Mike Kirsch and Ed Spillert (guitar, five-string banjo, and vocals) will do a range of country, blues, bluegrass, rock, and standards.

Many more will participate – please come down and take part by performing or spectating! Eclectic acts are encouraged to appear!

Subsequent first Thursdays will continue in the popular Nights on the Neck format (our third year) — that is, gallery receptions and scheduled performances and lectures. If the Open Mic format works out well, we will add that to the roster as well!

For additional information, please contact Amanda Nash, NoTeaParty@yahoo.com, 617-417-3777. Thank you!