If you see Howard Dai and Tiger Xu around the Queen’s Park bandshell, hauling rugs, cushions and board games onstage, don’t worry. They haven’t decided to move in. They’re just setting up for OpenStage – a new series of open-air, open-mike nights with a twist or two.
Dai and Xu, who produce a variety of theatrical work under their professional moniker Two Gents of New West, are launching the new series this summer.
The whole idea is simple. They set up the stage in “living room” style – with some big rugs, some big comfortable cushions, end tables, board games and lanterns – and invite people out to enjoy a night of music, spoken word and other performances. (Oh, yes, and of course there’s a snack table too.)
“The idea was like a living room setting, an atmosphere similar to a coffeeshop open mike,” Dai explained.
Audience members can just sprawl on the rug, socialize and eat some snacks, or they can take to the microphone to sing, play an instrument, recite poetry or share some other talent. Each night will also include a 30- to 50-minute set by a featured youth performer.
The sessions will run every other weekend, starting on Sunday, July 10.
“It’s just to encourage people to go outside,” Xu said, noting that his studies in Montreal – he’s currently studying physiology at McGill University – reminded him how nice it is to live in a climate where the outdoors is accessible year-round. “That’s why I thought of the bandshell, it’s perfect. It’s really a great venue, and I wanted to do something unique.”
Which is why the audience isn’t going to be out on the benches, but rather on the stage to be a true part of the experience. Not only does it bring them closer to the performers, but it also means the nights can go on regardless of weather, since the bandshell is covered and walled on three sides.
Each OpenStage session is set to start at 7:30 and run for a couple of hours, but people can come by whenever they like and stay as long as they want.
The vibe is youth-focused – the featured performers were all found through the Momentum Youth Arts Movement in New West, and they range in age from 13 to 24. Both Dai and Xu hope the nights will offer a chance for young adults who are away at school all year long to drop back in and catch up when they return for the summer.
Should you happen to be older – or younger – than that demographic, however, you’re still welcome. All the performers will be family-friendly and appropriate for all ages, and there’s no upper limit on who can turn out.
“Anyone is free to join, everyone can just come on down,” Xu said.
They’ll have a guitar, ukulele and keyboard available for those who want to use them, and there will be a microphone and sound system. The two are getting support from the Arts Council of New Westminster and Massey Theatre, and they received a Neighbourhood Small Grant from the Vancouver Foundation to help offset the costs of some equipment – a mixer, microphone and some cabling.
The rest of the supplies have been cobbled together from a variety of sources – rugs and a plant from Xu’s parents’ home, cushions and lanterns from an IKEA run, board games from the Salvation Army Thrift Store. Food is coming from Costco and Raw Cuts Sandwich Shop (a shop near NWSS that’s offered them a good deal on catering).
Xu and Dai aren’t expecting the nights to be huge. They’re intended to be mellow, low-key events, and they figure if they get up to 10 or 15 people, that’ll be a good turnout.
“We’re part of the park,” Xu said. “We’re just adding to the atmosphere that’s already here in the park. The whole idea is just community.”
They’re hoping the idea may take off and that someone may be able to step up to continue the series through the year. But for now, they’ll be happy to see who turns out for the first OpenStage night on Sunday, July 10.
OpenStage nights are set to happen on Sundays in July and Saturdays in August: July 10, July 24, Aug. 6, Aug. 20, with a wind-up on Sept. 3.
To find out more, see twogentsnw.weebly.com or follow them on Twitter @TwoGentsNW.
