Independent artists Yeslyann Cruz, left, Chy Currie, center, and Etéreo Sustaita sing together during Golden Mic Night on Aug. 21 at Inclusion Coffee in Arlington. The artists sang Lady Gaga’s “Yoü And I” from her 2011 album Born This Way.
Taking Golden Mic Night’s stage for the first time, singer-songwriter Yaelle timidly sang an original song, “Much More.” Before her second ballad, “The Detox Song,” she took a seat and slipped her boots off to help ease her nerves.
Methodically strumming the guitar strings, she finished with a third, unnamed song as robust scents of brewed beans lingered in the after-hours of Inclusion Coffee on East Abram Street.
Though the regular shop hustles from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, Wednesday invites nightlife. Golden Mic Nights are a weekly 8 p.m. affair of live music and raw talent, created last August with help from “Talk Your Creativity” Veronica, Inclusion Coffee event coordinator.
The event was curated to provide paid opportunities for upcoming artists, Veronica said. The team recognized how difficult it can be to transition from free performances to booking paid shows.
“We call it Golden Mic Nights because we want to shine light on the upcoming stars that are in our area,” she said.
Left to right: Musicians Cj from the 98, Yaelle, Yeslyann Cruz and Gregory Oliphant perform during Golden Mic Night on Aug. 21 at Inclusion Coffee in Arlington. Golden Mic Nights are a weekly 8 p.m. affair of live music and raw talent.
Within the past four months, the event has shifted to paid tickets. This allows the shop to pay headliners and other performers with these sales rather than using Inclusion Coffee funds. They often look for artists creating original music, and Veronica said those interested can find applications via Instagram @tyc.inclusivemic.
“Our goal, as well as a host, is to be that outlet, to be that pillar so other people can stand on and say ‘Hey, this is what I’m needing to become a full-time artist,’” she said.
Admittedly, he isn’t the biggest fan of Taylor Swift, but that didn’t stop singer-songwriter Cj from the 98 from covering her 2012 hit “Everything Has Changed.” Commanding the room’s tone, he finished his set with Billie Eilish’s “idontwannabeyouanymore,” SZA’s “Snooze” and Chance the Rapper’s “Sunday Candy.”
After CJ’s first performance at Golden Mic Night, he decided to return for the community. He said the crowd’s feedback was great, and having featured artists open each show was a fun twist on open microphone events.
The Burleson, Texas-based artist said these types of events are great outlets for people to share their thoughts and stories, having met some new friends along the way.
“They get to share all these really cool things about themselves, about their lives. Whether that be happy or sad or tragic,” he said. “They get to share all those amazing things. That’s what I really love about it.”
Attendees watch a musician play at Golden Mic Night on Aug. 21 at Inclusion Coffee in Arlington. Inclusion hosts Golden Mic at 8 p.m. every Wednesday.
Yaelle is no stranger to The Love Mic, an open microphone night centered around mental health awareness, every Monday at Sundown at Granada in Dallas. The host there connected with Yaelle’s musical message, encouraging her to attend her first Golden Mic Night.
Before moving to Dallas, Yaelle consistently performed at open microphone nights in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for about five years. She said the nervous feelings hardly subside, but she enjoyed Inclusion Coffee’s small, intimate setting.
Yaelle said she loved performing and being surrounded by supporting artists who were open and vulnerable with their craft.
“As an artist, part of the joy that comes from making music is sharing it and connecting with people through it, and feeling that other people connect to you through it,” she said. “It’s just such a beautiful way to connect with people.”
@hjgarcia0
