Share Your Voice at the SOHL Open Mic Night

Everyone has a story to tell, a song to sing, or a poem to share — and Sounds of Hope Live (SOHL) wants to hear yours. The SOHL Open Mic event invites performers of all experience levels to step into the spotlight for a night of community, creativity, and connection.

The event is open to all ages and is free to attend, thanks to the generosity of SOHL and its partnering venue. Whether you’re a first-time performer or a seasoned artist, you’ll find a warm welcome and an eager audience in what organizers call a “Listening Room” — a space designed so everyone can see and hear each other clearly. It’s not just about being heard; it’s about being seen and supported.

Each performer will have up to seven minutes on stage — just enough time for two songs, a short story, or a poem or two. But if your piece is shorter, that’s okay too. “We encourage folks to time themselves ahead of the event,” said Mary K. Shapiro, longtime emcee and organizer. “It helps us stay on schedule so we can feature as many performers as possible without anyone feeling rushed.”

In total, there’s room for 16 performers during the main portion of the event. If time allows, additional participants may be chosen by drawing to share one more piece.

While all are welcome, the event maintains a “PG” standard. This means performers are asked to keep material free of profanity, sexual content, or anything that could be considered derogatory. It’s a family-friendly atmosphere where people from different generations and backgrounds come together to listen, laugh, reflect — and sometimes even sing along.

Audience participation is more than just clapping. “We really encourage people to arrive early and stay until the end,” Shapiro added. “It makes a difference to have that full-circle support, and it’s a great way to build friendships and creative connections.”

In addition to performing, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Volunteers are welcome to help with setup or cleanup, and everyone is encouraged to bring snacks or drinks to share. Want to support SOHL in other ways? Donations of time, money, or simply spreading the word can help keep this open mic thriving. Sharing the event on social media, passing out postcards, or even just inviting a friend are all great ways to contribute.

Signing up in advance guarantees your spot on stage. If your plans change, please let the organizers know so someone else can take your place.

To reserve your spot, sign up online and mark your calendar. For any questions or to get involved behind the scenes, contact Mary K. Shapiro at 202-294-2906. She’ll be happy to help — and probably even cheer you on when you perform.

SOHL Open Mic nights are more than just performances — they’re an invitation to be part of something hopeful, honest, and human. Whether you come to share your voice or simply to listen, one thing is certain: you’ll leave inspired.