On the 20th of February, an open mic was held at El taller & Cafe Azteca, hosted by Sebastian Navedo (also known as Bigman) and ISHA! Known for its calm vibes and delicious food, El Taller also hosts open mics. 

El Taller is a place where many artists and other people from the community consider a second home, especially when open mics are hosted.
    Open mics have typically been held on the third Thursdays of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. on the second floor. 

 Navedo explains how during the open mics he sees “people lower their guard, as they know it is safe. It is a place for people to express their art.”

Navedo described the open mic as “heartwarming.” 

College student Mia Jimenez Soto described the open mic held on the 20th as “an amazing experience.”

 She says that she felt as if the open mic and El Taller were “A place where one could freely express themselves and not worry about what others think because everyone is so open-minded and welcoming.” 

 El Taller and the open mics hosted there make her feel like “even if I feel displaced in college, I always have a place in my community back home.”