My Story: Rediscovering my Passion for Performing Through Open Mics

My personal journey as a twenty-something year old reigniting my passion for singing and performing through open mic nights.

My Passion for Singing and Performing

From as early as I can remember, singing has always been a part of me. I was that kid who was constantly "putting on performances" for my parents in our basement. Always singing around the house, often without even realizing it. Recognizing my passion, my parents signed me up for vocal lessons. It wasn’t until my first official vocal performance that I truly understood the thrill and excitement of being on stage. The adrenaline, the joy, and the boost in confidence I felt were like no other. In that moment, I knew this was something I would always love.

Throughout elementary school and all the way to the end of high school, I immersed myself in opportunities to sing and perform. I joined choirs, participated in musical theatre, took vocal lessons, and sang around campfires for friends and family. Singing and performing became a part of my identity, and brought me immense joy. 

Falling Out

As I was nearing my twenties, I went off to University. As many at that stage of life can relate, my academics took over my life. I found myself juggling assignment, exams, and my social life, leaving little room for much else. I was stressed often, and felt like my life had no balance. 

Only in hindsight can I see that I was so preoccupied with the demands of being a student, and the responsibilities of becoming an adult, that I forgot to take the time to do the things that I truly love and that make me happy. The joy and creativity that once came so naturally somewhat faded into the background as I became preoccupied with my daily responsibilities. Without realizing it, I was no longer singing or performing. 

Discovering Open Mic Nights

Fortunately, life has a way of leading us back to our passions. After graduating from my undergraduate degree, I travelled to Tofino, British Columbia to spend the summer out there working. One day, a friend mentioned an open mic night at a local restaurant in town. Although I was nervous about performing after such a long hiatus, being in a free-spirit travel mindset made me think "What do I have to lose?".

With a mix of excitement and anxiety, I decided to give it a shot. On the night of the performance, a group of my friends came along to support me. As I stepped onto the stage, I felt a familiar rush of adrenaline. Once I started singing, I remembered why I loved performing so much—the confidence, fun, and joy it gave me. The ability to completely escape into the moment. The room filled with music and the encouraging cheers of my friends and the audience. It was exhilarating and reminded me how much I had missed singing and performing. I appreciated how casual, welcoming, and friendly the people and atmosphere of this open mic were, making it easy to feel comfortable on stage for the first time in years.  

When I returned home, I decided to make singing and performing a part of my life once again. I started checking out open mic nights in my neighborhood. They turned out to be perfect for what I was after—fun, easy-going, and low-pressure, so I could just show up and enjoy doing what I love without a huge commitment.

What I've Gained

Rediscovering my passion for singing and performing through open mic nights has been a game-changer for me. I’ve found so much joy and fulfillment in expressing myself through music again, and I’ve also gained an amazing sense of community.

I appreciate open mics because they’re casual and truly just for fun - people participate simply because it’s what they love to do. 

Open mic nights also encourage networking and meeting new people, which can also lead to other opportunities. A few times, I’ve even been offered paid gigs through my open mic performances. It’s a great way to connect with fellow musicians and performers who share the same passion and enthusiasm.

Getting back into singing and performing has also taught me the importance of making time for what truly makes me happy. It’s been a reminder that pursuing my passions isn’t a luxury but a necessity for my well-being and personal growth.

The experience often reminds me of a quote I read in a book once: "We're all busy, but it's the people who make enjoying their lives a priority who, um, enjoy their lives." - author, speaker, and success coach Jen Sincero.

I've realized that taking a little time out of our busy schedules to do what we love is so important. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget to prioritize our happiness, but these moments of joy and creativity are what keep us grounded and fulfilled. 

My Mission

My mission is to foster a community of individuals in their twenties who love to sing or play an instrument and are searching to rediscover their passion and perform just for fun. I aim to provide insights, resources, and reviews about performing at open mics, as well as information on the different open mics offered around Toronto. By sharing my experiences and knowledge, I hope to inspire others to take the stage, embrace their talents, and reconnect with the joy of music and performance.