QUEENS — A Kew Gardens coffee shop, known for its poetry readings and art exhibits, is now seeking to also become a stage for local music talents.
Odradeks, located near the Kew Gardens LIRR station, will host its first ever open mic night this Thursday, Dec. 5, so that aspiring musicians can share their work with neighborhood audiences.
“Everyone is welcome to participate, whatever instrument and music they play,” said Jacob Ganz, 38, who opened the shop about two year ago at 82-60 Austin St.
Ganz said open mic events are gaining popularity in coffee shops around the city and a number of local musicians asked him to organize one at Odradeks.
“There is a need for it in the neighborhood, and if it goes well we will definitely do it again,” said Ganz, who earlier this year began hosting a monthly reading series during which writers from Queens and beyond get to read their poems and short stories.
The coffee shop has also exhibited paintings and has held live music events but never an open mic.
Sign ups for the open mic begin on Thursday, at 7:30 p.m. The concert starts at 8 p.m.