Open Mic Night at Infinity Hall celebrated its two-year anniversary last month. Held every Thursday night at 8 p.m. in the Bistro, the brainchild of longtime Infinity Hall employee Jon Riedeman continues to be quite a hit with locals, as well as those from far away. Pictured above are the easily recognizable faces of Nancy Herzig, Kathy Griswold and Andrew Thomson at a March 19 performance, but performers drive from as far away as Mystic, Conn., Conway, N.H. and Utica, N.Y.

Open Mic Night averages 8 to 10 performances, but a big night can feature as many as 20 different musicians. “There’s a real family atmosphere,” says Riedeman. “I think that’s why it’s so popular.” Riedeman also attributes the success of the event to the great exposure it gives the performers. Videos are taken of each performance and posted on YouTube and Facebook, and sometimes, if there isn’t a band scheduled, open mic nights take place upstairs.

And then there are the Top 12 competitions, which take place three times a year on the main stage. The winner of those competitions receives prize money and the opportunity to open for a national act. Many of the Top 12 performers are invited back to play in the Bistro. The next Top 12 competition will be held on Thursday, May 28.

Photos by Bruce Frisch.