PORT ANGELES — A new venue for musicians, writers, dancers, actors and even the odd stand-up comic is about to materialize in downtown Port Angeles.
The Open Stage at The Loom, the lounge adjacent to Studio Bob upstairs at 118½ E. Front St., debuts Wednesday at 7 p.m., and the gathering will become a monthly event, said organizer Bob Stokes.
As hosts of this free get-together, Stokes and fellow artists Doug Parent and Merryn Welch encourage people of all ages to read their poetry and prose, play their music, perform a skit, dance — or do all of the above within a reasonably short time frame, say five to 10 minutes.
“This is open to anybody,” said Parent, himself a multi-genre performer who has branched out from painting to singing and playing guitar in a couple of local bands.
“What’s really nice about this town is that people are enthusiastic for other people’s art,” he said, adding that The Loom is ideal for those who want to try their performance wings.
“We need a safe place where people can tap into the freedom of the arts,” Parent said.
The Open Stage is a place to shake off fear, shed doubts left over from childhood, and “get up there and express yourself.”
“Any and all levels of performers are made to feel comfortable,” added Welch. The Loom has a small sound system for those who want it.
Stokes, for his part, said he chose Wednesday evening to avoid competing with weekend happenings around Port Angeles and, more important, to offer something new as weather gets wintry and nights get long.
Last Saturday night, Welch and Stokes hosted Poetry & Prose, an open reading at The Loom for writers with original work to share as well as those wanting to recite a poem or story penned by someone else.
“A lot of people got up and read,” said Stokes. A couple of guitarists played too, and a few youngsters chose to recite personally meaningful works by other writers.
At the Open Stage, there’s no charge to perform or to watch and listen, while food and drink will be available from The Loom’s bar, Stokes added.
These days he makes panini sandwiches, but as the Port Angeles grows chillier, he wants to serve chili, soup and other such comfort food.
The date for a November Open Stage is to be announced.
For details about Wednesday’s debut, phone Stokes at 415-990-0457. More information about the venue can be found on The Loom’s Facebook page.
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Features Editor Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5062, or at diane.urbani@peninsuladailynews.com.
