Open Mic at The Corazon Strives to Make It More Than a Theatre

By Taylor Bush | gargoyle@flagler.edu

The Corazon Theatre at 36 Granada Street in St.Augustine Florida had it’s first open mic night on Nov. 17. The open mic had an attendance of 15 people with five performers. The Corazon is a movie theatre but also aims to be an art house and will hold various events such as comedy nights, lectures, open mic nights, live performances, and more.

Sina Eslami, a Flagler Alumni and manager of the Corazon, aims to hold a second open mic night contest on Dec. 15, which will be open to the public. The event will be in theatre two and will have a three dollar cover. All proceeds go to the first place winner, who will also receive a five to ten minute spot on WSOS 99.5 to air the song of their choice. The second place winner will receive two free movie tickets and third place will receive a free drink from The Corazon Café, which will be serving beer, wine, and sandwiches throughout the event.

The contest winners will be based on audience participation and  three judges who will score the performers. The judges haven’t been confirmed yet.

“We realized The Corazon is more than just a movie theatre and want to stay open-minded to expressive and creative possibilities within the community, Eslami said. “We believe that people will support us as long as we listen to them, connect with their interests, and present things to do that are  unique.”

Kensley Stewart, a Flagler alumni and local musician, will potentially judge the event and perform as well. She supports herself by being a local musician and aims to go into the hospitality field in St.Augustine. She will release her debut album titled, “Woolgathering,” in January 2015.

“I want to give back to St. Augustine,” Stewart said. “Open mics are important for musicians and the community. It helps musicians meet locals and practice. It’s also a fun way to be a part of the music scene, improve your skills, and to collaborate with other musicians.”

The hosts of the event made flyers that they are putting around St.Augustine and will also advertise the event on Facebook, The Corazon website and Flagler College Radio, 88.5.

Oliver Michael, a St.Augustine resident, attended the first open mic and will enter the contest in December. He has been playing music for 12 years and aims to perform at various restaurants and bars in the St.Augustine area.

“I love to hear what other musicians have been working on and to share my work with them,” Michael said. “Open mic nights are a great way to get insight and to teach other musicians what I know too.”

Sign ups will take place starting at 7:30 and the contest will begin at 8 until around 9:30. Walk-ins are welcome to perform or just enjoy the show.