An Open Mike for Performers

On a balmy evening last month, almost 25 people gathered in downtown Sonoma to commit "Random Acts." 

Random Acts is a monthly open mic event, held at Readers' Books, intended for poets, writers, storytellers, singers, musicians, comedians, and anyone with a gift for performance.

The event came out of a need for open performance opportunities.

"We used to have an open mic forum at the Sonoma Community Center," said Random Acts Founder Catherine Sevenau. "When that went away, it left a hole in the literary community. I was determined to find a new venue."

Sevenau helped raise money to build the garden patio at Readers' Books.  Wanting to use the outdoor space, and be inclusive of all community talent, she decided to create Random Acts.

Now artists from all walks of life gather monthly to share their work. Participants write their names on a piece of paper and throw them in a hat. Names are drawn at random and each person is allotted five minutes to do their thing.

The rear windows of the Ledson Hotel lent a glow to the garden patio: the mood was set.

The first participant read a humorous treatise she'd written about the schizophrenia of trying to eat healthily called "Nutrition News or What's Eating Me."

The evening progressed with a beautiful poem of remembrance by J.R. Brady commemorating Día de los Muertos, the Mexican Day of the Dead celebration where people remember their loved ones. 

Sevenau read selections from her witty memoir entitled "If It's Not One Thing, It's your Mother."

Surprisingly, chocolate took center stage in many of the acts.

In her poem, "Chocolate by the Pound," Lin Marie deVincent supplied humorous lines like, "Oh how I love you, let me count the weigh-ins," and her poem "Melt Down," ostensibly about melting chocolate, was a metaphor for a touching and poignant tale of loss.

Not everyone read poetry they had written; one man recited one of his favorite poems by Mary Oliver and a musician in the group played his guitar and sang an originally composed song. Presenters ranged from very polished and experienced to beginners.

At intermission, those feeling a bit peckish, purchased squash soup and made from scratch cheesecake from The Epicurean Connection's Sheana Davis. 

The fourth meeting of Random Acts happens this Saturday, December 11.  If you're a writer, musician, performer looking for a venue or just someone who wants to be sit back and enjoy, you'll be impressed by the quality of talent and the welcoming environment.

The Gist: Random Acts meets on the second Saturday of each month,  5 p.m. to 7 p.m,  , 130 East Napa St. $5 admission. For more information contact RandomActs.Sonoma@gmail.com.