Art Gallery is Music to Local Ears

Wayland's artistic community is vast and varied, which is wonderfully evident at theW Gallery in the town's Town Center development. Yet Wayland also enjoys a vibrant musical community which has spawned many musical endeavors. Now both visual and music artists are displaying their talents at theW Gallery at the Music Exchange Listening Room (MXLR) open mic, occurring regularly on the second and fourth Tuesday evenings of each month.

MXLR invites all talent levels and ages (12+) to perform a short set of musical numbers. Since its inception in May the audience has enjoyed hearing folk, blues, pop, high school students and retirees, sometimes all on the same evening. The setting of the gallery itself, with an ever changing display of unique art decorating the walls, encourages creativity and also respectful appreciation of the performances. As the name states, this is a 'listening room' where conversation levels are low and applause levels high, and a place for the 'exchange' of musical ideas.

Brent Clark, from Sudbury who performing recently said "The living room style set-up is very conducive to a nice listening environment and it attracts an interesting and varied group of musicians". Wayland resident Jennifer Steel adds "It's a great opportunity to hear new music, see old friends, and enjoy beautiful art."

The host of MXLR, Steve Robb, the chair of musical events, initiated the open mic in May. He commented "After the songwriter event (the Sudbury River Songwriter Evening at theW Gallery in April), which was far more successful that we anticipated, I realized there was a desire for a listening room environment, where amateur musicians don't have to struggle to be heard over the chatter, and where the audience doesn't have to struggle to hear." Like the artists represented on the walls, musicians who perform their own compositions are welcomed and encouraged.

The new gallery has a 'stage' area that can fit a multi-piece group, although soloist and duos are most common. Provided is a sound mixer and Bose PA for instruments and microphones. Performers are expected to bring their own instruments and be ready to play two songs. "We usually have about ten to fifteen 'acts' each evening, so there's quite a variety. If something doesn't appeal to you, just wait ten minutes!" Robb said with a grin.

The Music Exchange Listening Room open mic runs every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at theW Gallery, 57 Andrew Ave., Wayland, with the next event occurring Tuesday, August 13. Doors open at 7:30 when musicians can sign in for a slot on the chalkboard. For more information go to www.artswayland.com/events.