AN OPEN Mic Night for young people in Redditch has proved a rip-roaring success attracting musical talent from far and wide.
The monthly sessions held at the Duck Inn on Pheasant Lane have gone from strength to strength over the last 12 months since it first started.
Organised by Redditch couple, Phil Garey and his wife Reeny, the sessions are for children up to 17-years-old to gain experience playing to a live audience with professional kit, lights and sound system.
Phil, who is a lifelong music fan has been playing semi-professionally for more than four decades.
He started learning the drums at age five, and at seven the guitar. By the time he was nine he was on stage with his dad’s band.
Phil said: “There are a lot of Open Mics for adults but what about the up-and-coming talent? Music is a big passion and has always played a big part in my life. It’s all about giving back and bringing on the next generation of musicians.”
The sessions have proved extremely popular and regularly attract a range of youngsters who play guitar, sing and play drums from Redditch, Birmingham and Worcester.
“It’s packed and the kids just love it”, he added.
Paul Johnson, whose 13-year-old son Jacob who has drum lessons is a regular attendee.
He told the Standard: “He saw a poster at the studio and went along and was amazed at having somewhere to play in front of people without any pressure. It has become a “must go to” event in his calendar.”
“There must be hundreds of children in the Redditch vicinity who are playing instruments and would be interested in progression to the next level at a social, supportive atmosphere”, he said.
The sessions are free to attend and the next one runs Sunday, November 3 from 4pm to 8pm. Email [email protected] for further information or search ‘musical youth open mic’ on Facebook.
