Next Level - Open Mic - featuring Loretta Callens

Featured Artist Loretta Callens (see bio below)

Welcome to Next Level Open Mic on the big stage at The Music Hall. Now’s your chance to take the stage as acoustic solo or duo. Every 2nd Wednesday through March.

We start the night with a featured artist 20 minute set from a seasoned performer that should inspire the attending open mic artists before they take the stage.

Doors open at 7pm and we will start sign ups immediately. Each slot will give you up to three songs to perform on our auditorium stage in our listening room. This will give you the opportunity to perform in a nice stage without the hustle of a busy bar or restaurant that can distract performers. The audience is listening. A recording of your performance will be available for a fee.

About Loretta Callens (from her website):
My love is singing, composing, playing my instruments and performing in the hope of enriching the lives of others.
My journey through music began at the early age of six. Singing at church, in school choir and at special events. Over time I learned to play guitar, mandolin and piano.

I was blessed with music loving parents with beautiful voices. They cultivated my love of music by making sure I had plenty of exposure to it.
Presently I’m performing, writing, and working on a new album to be released in the summer of 2023.

Aside from performing and songwriting I’ve produced/co-produced several events, and served as MC/stage manager for many events.
1989 thru 1998 co-produced nineteen outdoor festivals at Pine Hill Music park near Tyler, Tx.

Co-founded and co-produced the 2009 and 2010 Texas Independent Music Expo with Lisa Byrn held at Son’s of Hermann Hall in Dallas, TX.
TIME was an educational event with workshops geared toward helping independent music artists sharpen their skills, produce, promote and connect with industry related vendors, producers and educators.

Awards
2018 Josie Music Award “Female Artist of the Year” in Folk/Americana.
Nominations
2023 Josie Music Award (“Female Artist of the Year” Multi Genre’) and (“Song of the Year” in instrumental).
2022 Josie Music Award (“Artist of the “Year” (Folk/Americana)
2021 for 3 Josie Music Awards
2020 for 2 Josie Music Awards
2019 for 3 Josie Music Awards
2016 East Texas Performing Arts Texas Sounds International Country Music Award.