STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Ever wonder how your banjo riff would sound augmented by The Argyros’ state-of-the art sound system? How your prose would sound bathed in colorful lights?

The Argyros is inviting anyone and everyone to take part in The Argyros’ Open Mic Night.

The evening of community, creativity and live expression will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, March 1. Musicians, poets, comedians, storytellers and other types of performers are welcome to take the stage.

Each performer will be given up to 10 minutes, and it costs nothing to perform. All ages are invited to take part. You don’t even need to sign up in advance. It’s first come, first served.

Just want to watch? DO show up—admission is free so there’s nothing’s holding you back.

“It’ll be a small production, but it will still be elevated compared to more stripped-down venues,” said Ernie Trevino, recently named The Argyros’ education and outreach coordinator.

“Performers can get up and have five to 10 mints on the stage,” he added. “The audience will clap and we’ll move on to the next performer. There’s no competition—we just want people to come in and share their talents or sit back, listen and have a good time.”

Trevino, who performs as DJ Bearskin Rug, said the team at The Argyros has been talking about having an Open Mic for a couple years.

“It seems that Open Mics are pretty popular. With me taking on the outreach program, I thought it was the perfect way to get people who have never been to The Argyros in here to see what The Argyros is all about. And those who perform will have access to a lot of high tech from amplification to lights.”

As education and outreach coordinator, Trevino is asking: What is it that the Argyros needs?

“I’m trying to build bridges, lure patrons who haven’t been here. I want to get more youth involvement—I plan, for instance, to offer backstage tours for youth to show them the technology we have. I’m also trying to figure out how to involve more people from the south valley.”

Nick Harman, who also works at The Argyros, said he likes that this is an employee-led initiative by Trevino.

“He brings a lot of passion to it. We’ve talked about an open mic, but we’ve never done it. Ernie took the bull by the horns and said, ‘Let’s do it.’ I think it’s wonderful that someone who works here can have a passion project,” he said.

Trevino already has a second project up his sleeve.

He’s presenting The Listening Gallery--An Evening of Art, Vinyl and Conversation at The Argyros from 5 to 7 p.m. April 12.

That event will offer attendees a chance to celebrate local art and good music.

The Argyros lobby will transform into a showcase of local artists. Upstairs in the intimate Bailey Studio, The Argyros will host a curated listening experience with guests encouraged to bring a favorite vinyl record, share why it matters to them and then listen to the music together.

Following the listening session, there will be a panel discussion on genre—what defines it, who decides it, how it evolves and whether those labels still serve artists and audiences today.

“I come from a big extended family in California where holidays were filled with family—uncles, aunts, cousins. It creates a sense of belonging and I want to do that same thing here--create a sense of family of community.”