Most of the performers were strangers to one another.
Fittingly, guitar-playing Dale Ferris opened the Rye Arts Center’s second open mic night on Nov. 19 with “Secret Agent Man,” singing, “There’s a man who leads a life of danger / Everyone he meets is a stranger…”
But there was no danger when about 20 attendees — drawn by the center’s social media posts — filled the dimly lit room. Openness and self-expression defined the evening as Ferris followed his opener with the blues standard “In the Jailhouse Now,” complete with expert yodeling, and wrapped his set with “Get Your Kicks on Route 66.”
“I think it’s wonderful bringing everyone together,” said RAC’s Performing Arts Director Heather Rinello, “especially here in the heart of Westchester where open mic opportunities are rare.”
The night featured not only singers, but also storytellers, original compositions, and debut performances. With the lights dimmed and string lights framing the stage, songwriter Buddy Coughlin, also known as “Pleasant Bud,” volunteered to perform second. He delivered a humorous original tune about meeting and falling in love with his wife, Mary — “She Had a Toaster” — before continuing with additional selections.
Harrison-based special education teacher Danny Giovanni offered two original songs, the first called “Sleeping with the Enemy.” “I wrote this when I was the enemy — I was my own worst enemy. It was only a couple years ago … I almost gave up on all this,” she said, tapping the instrument on her lap, “I found it again recently, so I’m very happy.”
Writer Steve Lambert recounted climbing the Mount Beacon fire tower as a youth and discovering a canister filled with written declarations. “No, it didn’t belong to me, and I never should have done this,” he admitted, “but I took it home and spent my life living these declarations.”
Gerry Capece, who admitted he was more accustomed to bar crowds than quiet audiences, performed The Box Tops’ “The Letter,” the Bee Gees’ “Words,” and Carole King’s “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?”
Liviisa Pasternak, a local college student, and Taryn Green, a music therapist in training — took the stage together. Green played a piano rendition of “She Used to Be Mine” from the musical “Waitress.” They closed with “Nobody’s Son” and “My Man on Willpower,” offering a singalong moment for Sabrina Carpenter fans.
One of the night’s most memorable moments came from Hayley Morgenstern, making her performance debut. “This is the first time I’ve ever sung in front of anyone. When I’m home alone, I’ll sing my heart out in the shower. Oh my god…I’m very nervous,” she said. Then, she boldly delivered “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables.
Morgenstern then shared an essay “Petrified in Paradise,” which recounted a ziplining adventure she almost took during an anniversary trip to Costa Rica when she backed out of the activity. In the story, she turned back and met her husband at the bottom. But at the Open Mic she took a different type of leap, and the audience cheered her courage.
The evening concluded with songwriter Bill Buttner. “Some of it’s true, some isn’t… it just has to rhyme,” he joked before performing his first song, “Fiction.” His second song addressed addiction and abandonment, inspired by a man he once saw on his commute.
The Rye Arts Center launched the open mic series a month-and-a-half ago with just six performers. The turnout at this second event suggests momentum is building. A third night is planned for December.
“I’m so happy that we created this Open Mic Night,” Rinello said. “Life gets so busy for all of us, but seeing everyone come together to collaborate and share their talent through lyrics and performances is truly a gift.”
After the final performer stepped out of the spotlight, Rinello said, urging the evening not to end. “I’m not in a hurry — would anyone like to play another song?” she asked. Pleasant Bud didn’t hesitate, launching a tune that was more than pleasant — it was the perfect ending.
