Wicker Park's Wicker Mic draws pros, amateurs and listeners

John Shirk "warms" up the audience and introduces each act

"The June Wicker Mic event in Wicker Park was the most successful event we have had so far," said Nate Tubbs from Church in the City who co-chairs the series with John Shirk from Urban Encounters. "We had the most performers, twenty-six, and the biggest audience, about 150."

Marc Smith in performance

The man that started slam poetry, Marc Smith not only performed but stayed to hear all the other performers. There was a broad range of performers in terms of act and experience who ranged in age from sixteen to fifty plus. Some spoke, some sang, some performed poetry while others play the banjo, guitar, ukulele or did multiples.

Lots of fun in his words, Brooks Palmer strums away

Valery DeLong sings for those born before 1980

With two more Wicker Mic events left this season, July 29 and Aug. 26, there is plenty of opportunity for more people to entertain or be entertained.

Each event is from 6 to 9 p.m.

Billy Tuggle remembers a friend

Performers may signup starting at 5 p.m. on the south side lawn of Wicker Park, 1425 N. Damen Ave. Each five minute act slots equals two songs, three poems, or five minutes of standup.

Wicker Mic is one of many activities coordinated by the Wicker Park Advisory Council for 2011.

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