Folks,
It's been a while since we've communicated electronically to you.
So here's what's up!
We're marking our anniversary show this year with performances by folks who've been coming over the past 20 years. We want you to be a part of this show!
We've had stand-ins, changed hosts, changed venues, continuous drum circles, nights on the beach after the show, pictures under the train tracks and Pete Wolf's after parties.
20 years ago at the No Exit cafe at 6970 N. Glenwood Ave., a couple decided they wanted to have an open mic once a week where people could come and speak their mind. They enlisted Mike O'Toole to host, and for approx. ten years he led the open mic, through hard work, determination and a love of performance art. In 1998, he left, and the show was given to a young man named Pete Wolf, upon the closing of the No Exit Cafe near the end of the 20 century, Pete looked for a new home for the In-One-Ear open mic. He found a new home a half block north at the Heartland Cafe.
During his tenure, he has had many co-hosts and guest hosts with names including but not limited to and in no particular order....Curran, Fortune, Cardinal Bastard, Rachel, Billy Tuggle, Candyce, Dr. D, Shahbaz, Q, Duo, Kowboy, Eric Labrat and many others.
We've lasted three presidencies, and are about to embark on another crucial election for the people of this country. We've seen the fall of the Berlin wall and the Soviet Union, we've been to Iraq, and come out of Iraq, and back to Iraq again. We've been through three attacks on American soil, the advent of the Internet (for civilian use) through which you are reading this 'electronic mail message'. These are just a small portion of events that have occurred in the last 20 years, however important.
Performance art has withstood the test of time in several places throughout history, and we are just a blip on the radar, but for some, it has been a gateway to a world they never thought they would see. We celebrate the performances of those who've graced our stage, whether it was once, fifty, or a hundred times.
So come out and enjoy, after all, it's because of you and your peers by which we've made it to this point.
Additionally, this Wednesday if you wear a costume, you'll receive free admission to the show!
Thank you,
In-One-Ear Open Mic