Nine talented singer/songwriters competed for the top prize at this month’s Open Mic Monday held on November 18 at the Historic Ritz Theatre in Toccoa. James Hutton of Lincolnton, Georgia, (pictured) walked away the winner.
Hutton, a senior at Toccoa Falls College sang and played piano on his two original songs, “Dust” and “The Little King.” The night’s contestants represented not only the Georgia cities of Toccoa, Commerce, Clayton, and Lincolnton but Westminster, South Carolina, as well.
Performers ranged in age from 21 to 68 years old and included Ray Phillips, Darryl Lesh, Stephen Montgomery-Anderson, Janis McClain, Nathan Collins, Ken Helmer, Jim Harper, and Becca Norris.
The last monthly competition is Monday, December 16 at 7 pm and will be a Battle of the Bands. Interested performers can sign up by email at [email protected] or at the Historic Ritz Theatre on the evening of the show on a first-come, first-up basis starting at 6 pm.
Winners from each of the monthly competitions will receive $50 and a paid gig at the summer 2020 Ida Cox Music Festival. Open Mic Monday is free for contestants and the public.
For more information about Open Mic Monday, contact Historic Ritz Theatre General Manager Tami Mayhugh at 706- 244-0039.
