New under 21, substance free open mic venue opens at MyHouse

Tonight at 6 p.m. is the premier of “the Spot,” a place that founder, Michael Consalo described as a “safe place for kids to hang out and play music in a drug free environment.” From slam poetry to rock and rap, anyone under 21 can step on the stage at the MyHouse. Young musicians need only bring guitars or other instruments because there will most everything else equipment wise, including a microphone, drum set, speakers, and so on. The Spot will return on the first Friday of every month at 6 p.m. at the same location. Consalo also plans to start leading workshops with his fellow Spot staff, consisting of locally seasoned musicians. According to Consalo, they will instruct budding musicians to hone their craft in the hopes of fostering a new generation ready to “inject life” into the growing yet limited music scene in the Valley, known for having a lot of adults playing rock or country at bars. He believes “protective factors:” a venue with free from drugs and alcohol, mentors to learn from and the synergy of fellow music lovers will help stint the waves of addiction plaguing Valley youth, combating the numerous “risk factors:” abusive homes, alcoholic parents and access to drugs.

“It just seemed like one of the greatest needs out here,” Consalo said.