Skip to content

Open Mic

Meet other local people interested in Open Mic: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a Open Mic group.
pin icon
584
members
people1 icon
3
groups

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Check out open mic events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.

Discover all the open mic events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.

Absolutely! Find open mic events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.

Open Mic Events Today

Join in-person Open Mic events happening right now

Comedy Open Mic @ Oyasumi
Comedy Open Mic @ Oyasumi
Put your name on the board at the venue to perform. Free to watch.
Weekly Lunatech Meetup: OpenClaw Office Hours
Weekly Lunatech Meetup: OpenClaw Office Hours
*NOTE* ignore the reservation limit just comr Come hang out and relax and talk about Tech or AI or anything. Anyone welcome. Hanley and Jason can help you with any of your tech products or OpenClaw setup. We will have a laptop set up with OpenClaw that you can check out or you can bring your own or we can talk about cloud deployment of OpenClaw as well. Chill Vibes…as chill as lunatechs can be at least :) Location is Central Market in front of ChaTime so lots of food/boba all around
Star*bucks Japanese and English Conversation 2026.02(free admission)
Star*bucks Japanese and English Conversation 2026.02(free admission)
Dear member, Here are Starbucks conversation. This group is for casual learners. *Japanese and all levels of Japanese learners are all welcome!!!* Our organizer would make some topics for participates to discuss and share their own will, after, people can know each other and to share views and themselves to different peoples. The event is divided into several parts: 1. Japanese or English introduction 2. Word games or others (Japanese) 3. start casual topics by organizer 4. switch chairs People only can prepare some know of verbs, special topics and things you want to share with other peoples their own hobbies, place to travels, etc. *No walk in, people confirm their seat day before the event by WhatsApp* *Any sudden drop out on the day of event will be blacklisted* After the event we have 二次會at restaurant, please note I will send out the location to you. Hope you like it! Best wishes, Amily
Art Jamming @ Sheung Wan
Art Jamming @ Sheung Wan
A self-service art jamming. Our host Mary will be on site. We will provide painting tools and material. Can take the artwork home after the event. \*RSVP your spot by Whatsapp: 4449 0049 **What it includes:** *Free snacks, painting material, soft drinks.* **Event time:** 7-10PM **Fees: 199/head** (Please complete the payment 48 hours before the session]. Once payment is received, we will send you a final confirmation and all the details you need for your session. Quote: 15ppl **Venue:** Suite 903, 44-46 Bonham Strand West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong For more info, can check our IG: Midnight_bliss_studio or website: https://midnightbliss-studio.com/
Hong Kong Chill & Chat Night! 🇭🇰 for locals & travelers
Hong Kong Chill & Chat Night! 🇭🇰 for locals & travelers
Welcome to Hong Kong Chill & Chat Night! 🇭🇰 Looking to meet new people or simply unwind with interesting conversations? You’ve found the right group! [[Click this WhatsApp groupchat link to join ]](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GZVuQpZ0cPJAi1kzELGvV9) We host weekly casual meetups in the heart of Hong Kong — bringing together locals, expats, and travelers from all over the world 🌍 No pressure, no formalities — just fun chats, new friends, and great vibes. Come join us and be part of the global community.
🈵🈵年初五新主持實習局[限10人] - Karen, Tina 馬年行大運BG 聚會!👨$100 👧$60
🈵🈵年初五新主持實習局[限10人] - Karen, Tina 馬年行大運BG 聚會!👨$100 👧$60
\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* 📣 我地成業街超抵Deal場地‼️ 星期一至四,$600 book 場玩6個鐘,book 晒成個場, 600尺空間自由玩! 歡迎約埋啲朋友仔一齊上去玩啦!查詢預約:Whatsapp 6️⃣7️⃣9️⃣4️⃣1️⃣1️⃣6️⃣6️⃣ \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **今日活動資訊:** 費用: [$100 / Girls $60] Pay at entrance. 包飲品一盒, extra飲品每盒$5. 🔔 人多, 或員工/主持忙於教玩遊戲時可能沒暇收取場費, 請利用櫃面PayMe code/Ali Pay /FPS號碼自行支付. 如發現有故意走數情況, 會被放進Meeple Tree 黑名單. 🔔 必須在此報名. 🔔 場地沒有食物提供, 但歡迎帶外賣上來食. 🔔 宣傳其他場地/放飛機/遊戲過程中態度惡劣者會被放進黑名單. 🔔 入埸請除鞋. 埸內拖鞋祗供店內用, 請勿著出店外. 🔔 報名參加Meetup活動, 當系統問你"Are you bringing anyone"時, 如果你祗是一個人來, 毋須㩒+1 (+1代表會帶朋友來的意思). 🔔 我哋嘅活動主持人有時會因為工作或者學業關係臨時嚟唔到,Meeple Tree 保留臨時更換主持嘅可能性。🙏 🔔 本會因放飛機(活動開始前24小時內退出者)被移除人數: 98 🔔 Meeple Tree保留參加者名單最後決定權. 🔔 Follow我哋IG: mtboardgame / boardgame_hk
F.E.M. (Female Empowerment & Movement) with Cyrl @ Dee Dream Life
F.E.M. (Female Empowerment & Movement) with Cyrl @ Dee Dream Life
Get a great workout with a sweat-dripping dance cardio class combined with high-intensity interval training HIIT! Feel your heart rate pumping, while you jam to the beats and see yourself groove to fitness! Leave the class feeling super energised, challenged yet relaxed from a liberating dance fitness experience! WhatsApp 63344266 to book Prepayment required to secure booking www.deedreamlife.com/pricing-packages for fee info Download Dee Dream Life App for more info

Open Mic Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

Open Day 1!
Open Day 1!
What is Love? - Sharing Romantic Stories
What is Love? - Sharing Romantic Stories
Love means different things to each of us. At this Tung Chung Toastmasters Club, we will explore love through personal stories, inspiring speeches, and fun impromptu sharing in a warm, family‑friendly environment. Whether you are a seasoned speaker or a curious first‑timer, you will have the chance to practice public speaking, listen to heartfelt experiences, and connect with a supportive community in Tung Chung. \- Date and time: Sunday\, 22 February 2026\, 2:45 pm \- 4:45 pm \- Format: Hybrid meeting \- join us at NAAC Touch Centre\, 15 Tung Chung Waterfront Road\, or online via Zoom\. Come ready to share a romantic memory, a lesson about love, or simply listen and learn as others speak from the heart. You are welcome to bring family and friends, and no prior Toastmasters experience is required to participate.
☂️“雨遮重生”工作坊Umbrella reborn+🥨”出名曲奇,傳統唐餅”同試Traditional pastry@西營盤 Sai Ying Pun
☂️“雨遮重生”工作坊Umbrella reborn+🥨”出名曲奇,傳統唐餅”同試Traditional pastry@西營盤 Sai Ying Pun
雨傘被風吹歪了傘骨、傘面布料如何跣水、…、今次工作坊可認識雨傘結構、零件展示、親身體驗修遮工藝。 之後一起品嚐自家製傳統鳳凰卷,馬仔,南乳餅@齒來香蛋卷;齊試香口曲奇,懷舊黃莓醬蛋糕@華爾登餅店。 To experience fixing a broken umbrella, with understanding on structure and spare parts of an umbrella. Also look for and taste traditional Cantonese biscuits and pastries in this old district. 修傘師Craftman:*Joseph Kam (「雨遮重生」全科修遮工作坊創辦人 [*Founder of Umbrella Reborn]) \*舊雨傘將提供,組員不需自備。 \*Umbrella and material will be provided. 日期:2026年**2月22日(星期日)** 時間及地點: **“雨遮重生”工作坊 @3:00am-6:00pm @西區社區中心** **“曲奇,唐餅”嘗味 @6:10pm-7:00pm @齒來香蛋卷&華爾登餅店 (可選)** 集合時間及地點:@2:45-2:55pm @西營盤港鐵站B出口,出閘後八達通查閱機旁等 /電聯 名額:5人 (同場另有男女公眾參與) Date: 22 February, 2026 (Sunday) Time & Address: Umbrella repairing Workshop @3:00am-6:00pm @West District Community Centre Snack Hunt @6:10pm -7:00pm @ 2 famous HK-style biscuit/cake shop (optional) Assemble: @2:45-2:55pm @Sai Ying Pun MTR station exit B where next to Octopus Enquiry Machines / by call Seat: 5 people limited (Other participants in event as well) MeetUp費:$50HKD(包雨傘材料;小食費另計). 銀行/FPS/PayMe轉帳;20/2/2026還未繳費者,其報名將被取消,再發放予候補者. 報名:按Attend-> 填寫1)聯絡電話號碼, 2)男/女, 3)一起分嘗曲奇,唐餅? -> 繳費(入帳恆生銀行號碼: 359-366101-882 (NG Y\*\* S\*\*\*)/ FPS/PayMe: 97419423)-> 再以閣下電話whatsapp(97419423)以下資料: 1)MeetUp名字, 2)過帳通知書. MeetUp fee: $50HKD(including material; Snack price excluded). Bank/FPS/PayMe transferred. If no payment by 20/2/2026, RSVP seat will be cancelled and given out to the waiting participant. Join: Click ‘Attend’-> Write down your 1)Contact number, 2)Male/Female, 3) Snack Hunt together and share?-> Pay to Hang Seng Bank acc: 359-366101-882 (NG Y\*\* S\*\*\*)/ FPS/PayMe: 97419423-> Whatsapp 1)MeetUp name, 2)Payment notification \*\*\*a) Welcome foreigners. Please remark your language if you are foreigner. [歡迎外地本地人一同熱鬧.請外地人指明語言.] \*\*\*b) Participants are required to follow instruction of the venue. [參與者要遵守場地規則,違者則有可能被邀離開.] \*\*\*c) Late comer may be restricted to admit and continue in the activity. [主辦組織不作逾候,逾時者有可能不被參加,請預早抵達.] \*\*\*d) No refund or seat transfer after payment, unless is the cancellation of activity or by our group. [交費後若未能出席參與者,繳款不獲退回及轉讓.(除非活動取消而全數退款).] \*\*\*e) Photos taken by our group during activity will be blurred in our group as record and promotion. [活動如有拍照,本組將會朦化/馬賽克人物頭像,以作記錄和宣傳用途] \*\*\*f) When there are 3 No Show, we have the right to ban you out from our groups. [凡超過3次No Show者,本組有權將該組員移離本群組.]
Burundi-Rwanda Movie Night in Peng Chau
Burundi-Rwanda Movie Night in Peng Chau
Hi there everybody! We invite you all to come enjoy Peng Chau island and our next movie night on 22th of February. This time we will watch our first Rwanda and Burundi movie. We have chosen two countries instead of one because the movie itself include this two East African countries. The movie is called 'Neptune Frost' (2021) from directors Anisia Uzeyman and Saul Williams: In the hilltops of Burundi, a group of escaped coltan miners form an anti-colonialist computer hacker collective. The movie will have English subtitles. If you want to watch a Rwanda movie for the first time come and enjoy! We will start the movie at 7pm till 9pm in a terrace in Peng Chau. There is a ferry at 5:50pm from Central Pier N6 and arrives in Peng Chau at 6:30pm. I can meet people at the pier at 6:30pm. Or if you want to spend the day in Peng Chau and meet each other afterwards that's also fine! Please let me know if you are coming beforehand so we can prepare for us to meet and take you to the address. We want to encourage discussion about the movie and its theme afterwards. We will prepare some questions so we can debate about it together! You can bring your own food too. Also if you have more ideas on how to make our experience more fun, feel free to share it! If you have any question you can message me :) Hope to see you soon! MOVIE TRAILER>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acfBNIXovww Download my book for free here: https://h7.cl/1itmh
💽黑膠唱片時鐘工作坊🕰️[二人一組,可自組/本組安排]Vinyl Record Clock Workshop
💽黑膠唱片時鐘工作坊🕰️[二人一組,可自組/本組安排]Vinyl Record Clock Workshop
黑膠唱片\~經典懷舊、音質豐富。 此工作坊,探索黑膠唱片背後的文化、親自製作黑膠唱片時鐘,(二人一組一份材料;可自組/本組安排一組) Learn the history and culture of vinyl records; Craft your own vinyl record clock, (2 people in 1 group with 1 set material; u can invite your partner to join or let us to pick your workmate). \*黑膠片及物料已提供,過程並不會損壞唱片,以便日後播放。(Vinyl record will be provided and will not be damaged.) \*本組會盡量安排1男1女組員一組,及以某位想要製成品而定。(2 people in 1 group. We will pair up based on preference on 1M1F and anyone would get the clock.) 日期:2026年**2月22日(星期日)** 時間及地點: **黑膠唱片時鐘工作坊@11:00am-1:00pm @香港文化古蹟資源中心(西營盤)** **午餐@1:15-2:30pm @花見山下(日本菜) (可選)** 集合時間及地點:@10:45-10:55am @西營盤港鐵站B出口,出閘後八達通查閱機旁等 /電聯 名額:4人 (同場另有男女公眾參與) 主辦單位:1001HK Date: 22 February, 2026 (Sunday) Time & Address: Vinyl Record Clock Workshop @11:00am-1:00pm @ Hong Kong Resource Centre for Heritage (Sai Ying Pun) Lunch @1:15-2:30pm @ Hanamiyama (Japanese dishes) (optional) Assemble: @10:45-10:55am @Sai Ying Pun MTR station exit B where next to Octopus Enquiry Machines / by call Seat: 4 people limited (Other participants in event as well) Organization: 1001HK MeetUp費:$100HKD; (+$70有製成品) 銀行/FPS/PayMe轉帳;20/2/2026還未繳費者,其報名將被取消,再發放予候補者; (OR $150HKD於20/2/2026之後及/或有餘位到場繳費) 報名:按Attend-> 填寫1)聯絡電話號碼, 2)男/女, 3)歲數, 4)自找友人二人同組?不介意本組安排男/女組員? 5)要回製作成品? 6)一起用餐否? -> 繳費(入帳恆生銀行號碼: 359-366101-882 (NG Y\*\* S\*\*\*)/ FPS/PayMe: 97419423)-> 再以閣下電話whatsapp(97419423)以下資料: 1)MeetUp名字, 2)過帳通知書. MeetUp fee: $100HKD; (+$70 get the clock) Bank/FPS/PayMe transferred. If no payment by 20/2/2026, RSVP seat will be cancelled and given out to the waiting participant; (OR $150HKD Pay after 20/2/2026 &/or on spot if seat remained) Join: Click ‘Attend’-> Write down your 1)Contact number, 2)Male/Female, 3)Age, 4) Find own groupmate by yourself? Arranged by us? 5) Wish to get the clock? 6)Meal together?-> Pay to Hang Seng Bank acc: 359-366101-882 (NG Y\*\* S\*\*\*)/ FPS/PayMe: 97419423-> Whatsapp 1)MeetUp name, 2)Payment notification \*\*\*a) Welcome foreigners. Please remark your language if you are foreigner. [歡迎外地本地人一同熱鬧.請外地人指明語言.] \*\*\*b) Participants are required to follow instruction of the venue. [參與者要遵守場地規則,違者則有可能被邀離開.] \*\*\*c) Late comer may be restricted to admit and continue in the activity. [主辦組織不作逾候,逾時者有可能不被參加,請預早抵達.] \*\*\*d) No refund or seat transfer after payment, unless is the cancellation of activity or by our group. [交費後若未能出席參與者,繳款不獲退回及轉讓.(除非活動取消而全數退款).] \*\*\*e) Photos taken by our group during activity will be as record and promotion. [活動如有拍照,以作記錄和宣傳用途.] \*\*\*f) When there are 3 No Show, we have the right to ban you out from our groups. [凡超過3次No Show者,本組有權將該組員移離本群組.]
English Corner
English Corner
(Partner's Event) English Corner Time: Every Wed, Fri & Sun 19:00 - 23:00 Location: The Crazy Coconut Bar, ShenZhen Longhua Baishilong, 3rd floor, 3N100, Above Metro Exit B2 (BaiShiLong Metro Station) 瘋狂酒吧, 深圳龍華白石龍地鐵站B2上方,3樓 Refer to the picture for details on the BBQ Sat event.

Open Mic Events Near You

Connect with your local Open Mic community

Comedy Night + Open Mic
Comedy Night + Open Mic
**Comedy Night + Open Mic + Freestyle**: We've hired a professional comedian to warm the group up for our open mic session. Members have been making me laugh for years and we've tossed around the idea of a comedy night / open mic. Well, It's time to step up and crack me up. We'll start with Tristan Shae and a couple of his friends. Tristan is an alternative comic from Columbus, Ohio. A counselor by day, Tristan explores how comedy can improve mental health by telling jokes and stories that muse on how absurd life can be from squeaky clean topics to not so clean ones. Tristan produces the variety show Cheaper Than Therapy, hosts the weekly Problem Child Alt Comedy Open Mic at The Attic, and can be found engaging in all sorts of silliness around the city from stand up shows at The Nest Theater, The Attic, or The Funny Bone, to improv and sketch shows with various groups at various venues such as The Hashtag Comedy Club. **On Freestyle night** \- just bring a bottle to share\. There is NO formal wine tasting like on other weeks\. Door charge is $10 \(cash or Venmo only please\)\. We may have some left over wines to clear out\! Glasses are provided\. Take Care\. See you there\. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. I am told that the Chase parking lot is safe after hours. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the EMPTY glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please do not make me hunt down your empty glass. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! **Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing. **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. **After the lights go out**: After the last sip of wine, when we clean up and turn the lights out, if you still haven’t had enough of us, it is typical for a group to get together and go to a local eatery for food and/or drinks or coffee. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*
Columbus Comedy Improv Meetup at Gresso's!
Columbus Comedy Improv Meetup at Gresso's!
Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!
Hybrid MI Python: Michigan Python
Hybrid MI Python: Michigan Python
Topic details coming soon. AGENDA: 7:00pm - Opening announcements 7:10pm - Main Topic 7:50pm - Q&A
Shut Up & Write!™ Easton Town Center
Shut Up & Write!™ Easton Town Center
We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!
Shut Up & Write!® Easton Town Center
Shut Up & Write!® Easton Town Center
We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Sunday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at noon on Sundays. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Sunday!
Let's Create with Jaina and Michelle
Let's Create with Jaina and Michelle
Welcome to the first Let's Create. You will receive supplies to create one or more cards (but not the one pictured .. not this month anyway). These events are usually held at Day's Paper Palace (my home). However, this is a placeholder for the event and it may be moved to the Grove City Library. If you are new, you will not need to bring supplies. They will be provided.
The Gir With the Louding Voice Abi Dare
The Gir With the Louding Voice Abi Dare
Columbus libraries: [https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3262835](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3262835) Location: [Knotty Pine Brewing](https://www.knottypinebrewing.net/) [Menu, scroll to the bottom](https://www.knottypinebrewing.net/menus-1) Book summary: Adunni is a fourteen-year-old Nigerian girl who knows what she wants: an education. This, her mother has told her, is the only way to get a "louding voice" -- the ability to speak for herself and decide her own future. But instead, Adunni's father sells her to be the third wife of a local man who is eager for her to bear him a son and heir. When Adunni runs away to the city, hoping to make a better life, she finds that the only other option before her is servitude to a wealthy family. As a yielding daughter, a subservient wife, and a powerless slave, Adunni is told, by words and deeds, that she is nothing. But while misfortunes might muffle her voice for a time, they cannot mute it. And when she realizes that she must stand up not only for herself, but for other girls, for the ones who came before her and were lost, and for the next girls, who will inevitably follow, she finds the resolve to speak, however she can--in a whisper, in song, in broken English--until she is heard