From children to adults to seniors, entertainment can be found at bookstore’s fun annual event

Written by:  Lily Ann Montemayor

Every third Friday, More Than Words Bookstore on Moody Street in Waltham, MA holds a monthly Open Mic Night to showcase talent from musical performances to reciting poetry.  It is a great way for youth and customers of all ages to express themselves, and it gives the bookstore a chance to advertise their mission and gain business. There is no limit to what you can do onstage, so long as the performance is kept at a respectable level for an audience of all ages to enjoy.

This month’s Open Mic Night featured nine performances.  Acts performed that night included self-written poetry about obesity and judgment, essays about difficult relationships, slight comedic stand-ups, and even a vocal cover of Linkin Park’s Leave Out All the Rest.

With an audience ranging from children to the elderly, the occasion definitely overcrowded the undersized bookstore. The event was so popular that it was difficult to find seats for everyone, but audience members politely volunteered to sit on the store’s floor space to make more room. As expected, More Than Words offered great customer service, kindly providing free Upper Crust Pizza before the festivities. Individuals participating in the event on stage received a complementary five dollars off of their next purchase, whether it be at the café or on a good book.

The two hosts of the night, Vince and Henry, gave a heart-warming introduction that More Than Words gives at the beginning of every Open Mic Night. They spoke about the bookstore, talking about the teenagers who run the business and their responsibilities to themselves in the Transitions Program. In response to this youth program, regular adult performer Elsa Lichman said, “I love the fact that this is a time for everyone to express themselves, especially when most of them come from challenging backgrounds. It is very moving how each of these events is actually saving their lives.”

While a number of adolescents gave their all behind the microphone, adults also participated in this well-received occasion. Social worker Lichman, who has been writing for two years, also shares her pieces at More Than Words Bookstore. Even though this is her ninth time performing at Open Mic Night, she continues to practice reciting her poetry to herself while she is in the audience waiting to perform, and she even admits to me how nervous she gets. However, she hid her nerves well as she eloquently recited her pieces in front of the amiable audience.

Most performers present poetry readings, but one man in particular decided to bring a taste of music to the crowd. Playing his cross-strung harp, adult artist Bill Weber filled the bookstore with a familiar tune called Pass the Piano, as well as an untitled, self-composed piece. It was a brilliant instrument to listen to while sipping a purchased cup of Raspberry White Chocolate Mocha.

More Than Words seeks to invite a big act to showcase the event every month, and this month they featured the poetry performers of the Brandeis Slam Team. One member named Jordan Hanahara gave a glimpse of the team’s performance mid-show, reciting her piece with a great deal of passion and rhythm.

The whole team stole the show with their excellent stage presence, bringing everything they had into their act. In fact, they did not even need the microphone for the whole bookstore to hear them.

To walk into the bookstore in the middle of the show, one would think that the space was rather cramped and uncomfortable. On the contrary, with the mix of comfy chairs surrounded by wall-to-wall books from left to right, it was an exceptionally relaxed atmosphere, with the people around me providing a feeling of togetherness.

It is safe to say that the audience is quite welcoming. The number of expressive performers had a lot to offer, putting their hearts and souls into what they felt needed to be said and done.  Most importantly, Vince added, “It is a place where anyone can come in and have a good time.”

The bookstore and café is located at 376 Moody Street in Waltham, MA and is open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 11:30 a.m – 9:00 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., and Sundays 11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m..

Open Mic Night is held every third Friday each month at 8:30 p.m. Prospective performers can sign up at 8:00 p.m. right up until the show begins. For more information about upcoming events or to shop online, visit their website at mtwyouth.org.