by Josh Henaman
Is
it really fair to call the Soapbox Sessions an "open mic night?" Take
a look at what it has going for it. Sure, anyone who has a poem, a
comedy bit or even a song or two with an itch to perform in front of a
crowd can participate. Sure, it lends itself to that open-air vibe
that hopefully permeates the best events. And yes, it even happens at
night. Okay, that last one's a cheat, but I wasn't sure how to segue
into giving the address and time in the first paragraph without coming
across as a glorified info flyer (by the way, the Soapbox Sessions is
held in Encino every Thursday at 7:30 at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
on the corner of Ventura Blvd. and Woodley... but I digress.)
So yeah, I guess you could consider it somewhat of an open mic night.
Soapbox Sessions creator, Jason Brain, disagrees.
In a recent interview with Mishmash's Adam Kruger, Brain revealed his
philosophy on why the 'Sessions should not be considered a typical
night on a platform.
"Open mic nights are about making it. We're about making change."
It's a fairly lofty goal to say the least, but having recently
celebrated their one year anniversary, Brain and the Soapbox Sessions
crew are looking to expand, whether it be through the addition of
various venues or one that would accommodate a seven day venture.
Brain originally came up with the idea for the 'Sessions after seeing
firsthand the wasted potential that is your typical open mic night.
The stereotypical L.A. thought of the guarded performer who's out for
themselves was a hard sell for Brain, who believed not only in creative
expression, but one that can, and oftentimes does, thrive on the
community as well. With the idea that real, true positive change could
come about if given a creative crossroads, Brain sought out a venue
that would not only be supportive, but could also provide a steady
influx of like-minded AND "un"like-minded individuals as well. Simply
put, it doesn't matter who you are, it's about getting the message
out. Or in Brain's own words, "Spread the word, spread the love."
Brain found his venue at the intersection of Woodley and Ventura. With
the go-ahead and blessing of the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, he set
about transforming their open patio into what would become an
ever-shifting platform of ideas. It was to become a night in which
anyone with the desire and courage could reveal their emotions,
practice their comedic bits or just jam out in what is quickly becoming
an audience favorite, the end of the show Jazzbox.
The only rule? You gotta get onstage.
Oh, and did I mention the Soapbox Sessions are held every Thursday night at 7:30?