An Open Mic for Chicago Youth
A monthly space for high school students to share, express, and network.
This is your stage, your crowd, your community.
A space for young creatives to share, express, and network with like-minded peers. Held at various community-focused businesses, this event features randomly selected students presenting a 3-minute piece of their choice. Over 90 minutes, students learn hip-hop history, performance techniques, and stage etiquette from resident hosts and a DJ. OpenMike often concludes with professionals or art advocates discussing their creative process, showcasing their work, or sharing learning opportunities
Brother Mike Hawkins
OpenMike is named in honor of a very special mentor of ours, the late “Brother Mike” Hawkins.
SocialWorks’ inspiration came from Brother Mike; he educated, connected, and inspired us to pursue our passions through artistic expression. We want to celebrate and expand Brother Mike’s vision. OpenMike aims to teach showmanship, connect young artists, and inspire creativity within the next wave of Chicago youth.
75
OpenMikes
7,843
Total Minutes of Performance
13,002
Total Attendance
News and Events
September 19, 2024
SocialWorks, Michele Clark, Good Lookin’ Out & Raising Cane's
September 17, 2024