Akron’s longest running “Anything Goes” open mic featuring music, monologues, improv and much more, returns Saturday, September 1st to “The Center” and invites performers and audiences across the spectrum of artistic genres to celebrate!

So, grab your best getup, the act you’ve been working on for a while, and get ready to party #EPCooker-style because… we’ve finally found a home!!!

That’s right! Missing since the days of the Blooming Basement Studios, the Electric Pressure Cooker Cabaret will once more have a regular spot for raucous nights of revelry and entertainment.

Featured Emcees: Mother & Daughter Duo Nici Romo & Josephine Marie Music

***Starting Saturday, September 1st, the #EPCooker will now regularly occur on the FIRST SATURDAY of every month at THE CENTER (118 W. Market St., Akron, OH 44303).***

ABOUT THE EVENT:

To cap off The Center’s Wide Open House on September 1st, let’s rock this stage ALL NIGHT LONG!!!

The Zenith AWARD-WINNING Electric Pressure Cooker Cabaret is back from a summer break and ready to rumble, make no mistake. This month’s dynamic showcase featuring artistic talent and “ANYTHING GOES” fun will “happen” at The Center above Time Traveler Records in West Hill, Akron.

Featuring Nici Romo and Josephine Marie, (Josephine Mary Reynolds), two of the very first #EPCooker emcees, Gum-Dip Theatre, Dunamis Theatre & Wandering Aesthetics‘ new digs (The Center), and YOU, this Electric Pressure Cooker is sure to have the #EPCooker Community howling the whole night through!!!

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Through humble beginnings in the basement of a Highland Square flower shop, the #EPCooker is an artist driven event that sees over 80+ audience members, 20+ performances and 5 non-stop hours of art.

Doors open and registration for performers begins at 7:30 pm with performances beginning sometime between 8:00 – 8:30 pm. Anyone may sign up for a 12-minute slot. Performers may pre-register at epcooker.com.

An emcee, house drum kit, keyboard, stage, lighting and sound system (with operators) are provided. The environment is like no other open mic in the region.

ALL varieties of acts are encouraged to perform. Previous acts have included: monologues, acoustic musicians, comedians, feats of strength, play readings, full rock bands, debates, experimental art, dancers, scenes from plays, improvisation, devised work, storytelling and performance artists. But the sky is the limit; no art is too taboo for the #EPCooker!

ALL levels – from beginner to the most experienced – are encouraged to perform. Those under 18 are permitted to attend (and perform!) with adult supervision.

The #EPCooker is not just an open mic. It is an open and welcoming community of artists and advocates. It is also a great networking event, a great place to improve stage presence and a great place to develop as an artist. From comedians to performance artists and even full bands, many wonderful performers have premiered at the #EPCooker.

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There will be coffee, tea, water, wine and beer available. Outside food is permitted.