Young musicians take to the stage at 'Youth on Mic'

WESTERLY — Youth on Mic, an event designed to be a "pressure-free, supportive place" for young musicians to perform live on a big stage, is celebrating its fifth anniversary this Sunday. "These events provide kids and teens with a place to play and a community of music lovers eager to hear them," said Nancy Urbonas of Westerly, coordinator of the United Music School, which organizes the annual event. It's a place for students to "feel not just compelled, but happy and secure to take the chance and perform on stage what they have been practicing at home," she said in a statement from the United.

Tom Foley, the music school's director, will emcee the event, "making everyone comfortable and drumming up laughter" according to the United. "He has a way of helping the kids believe in themselves and want to sign up for a turn," the press release said. Performers will sing with a karaoke track, drum along with a rock favorite, or perform their own original song.

Past participants have gone on to form their own bands, often with fellow performers. Youth on Mic has been cited by the Washington County Coalition for Children as an event to use as a model of a supportive, creative environment for kids to gain confidence and feel support, according to the United. Youth on Mic, a free event, is open to the public.

— Nancy Burns-Fusaro.