A new open mic event debuted at the Old Church Theatre on Wednesday (Sept. 10).
Acoustic Mornings gives local musicians a chance to connect and play on stage on the second Wednesday of each month.
It's organized and hosted by Dianne Harvey, Paula Briggs, and Cathy Checora, with Harvey and Checora having hosted previous open mics in town.
"One of the things that makes it unique is that it is in the morning, and it targets people who are retired predominantly and who have their mornings free and are looking for a place to play," Harvey explained. "They're still out there jamming, playing, and writing music. Music is a really important avenue for them."
There's also a social element, with each event to include an afterparty featuring food and beverages.
"Some of these people they've been getting together at this type of event for years, but it's the only time they get together, so it's a chance to meet up with friends and just enjoy a little camaraderie," said Harvey.
The event is separate from the Acoustic Nights events hosted by the Okotoks Arts Council and the Town of Okotoks, though both parties support the new morning event through funding via the Arts and Culture Activation Grant, and by providing the venue.
Sheep River Artists in Residence, Gary Briggs and Wendy Madell, were also on hand for a live art demonstration.
Harvey is thrilled with how the premiere event went.
"Yeah, we had a great time. We had great performers and everything just went smoothly, people came up," Harvey said. She credited the audience for providing a friendly and supportive atmosphere. "They are so supportive and encouraging, clapping and enjoying one another's music, and really appreciating all the different genres and styles. We had country and folk, we have some real old-timey turn-of-the-century kind of things, and then some modern kind of rock and roll players as well."
Future Acoustic Mornings are scheduled for Oct. 8, Nov. 12, and Dec. 10. Performers can sign up as soon as the doors open at 9 a.m., with performances starting at 9:45.
More information is available on the Acoustic Mornings Facebook and Instagram Pages.