Welcome Home: Recapping A Space Inside Open Mic Night at Colman Commons
What a night.
If you were with us at Colman Commons last Friday, you felt the room shift the second you walked through the doors. The energy was warm, heavy in the best way, and electric with shared purpose. We were honored to host A Space Inside for their first open mic in over a year—marking the beginning of an exciting new partnership as their long-term home.
Created as a much-needed third place for healing, art, and genuine connection, A Space Inside proved once again why this community is so special. From poets and storytellers to musicians and comedians, the room was packed to capacity with people who didn't just come to listen, but came to truly witness one another.
Voices From the Stage
Sierra-Leone Jones, the founder of A Space Inside, reflected on her organization’s journey, having been forced to pause their open mic nights after losing their space in downtown Seattle. After finding a new long-term home at Colman Commons, Jones was beyond excited to reinstate this space dedicated to BIPOC self-expression.
"We haven't done an open mic in over a year... the community has been needing this,” she said. “This event is a space where people can come and be supported in their craft. If you mess up, people are going to keep cheering you on and tell you to run it back.”
While the list of performers was extensive, here are a handful of highlights:
Darryl Foto | Spoken Word Artist, Poet & Open Mic Co-Host
Piece Performed: "What I Give to God or A Tired Man's Prayer"
On the Experience: Foto shared that performing his piece on ego death and letting go felt deeply therapeutic—like a weight melting off his shoulders after carrying it all year.
"You have a room full of people who want to witness you. It’s rare,” he said of the open mic. “Nowadays you ask folks how they’re doing and they say 'I'm fine.' You come here, and you really just talk about it."
Armando Tibursio Ortiz | Spoken Word Artist & Educator
Piece Performed: A slam poetry piece originally written in college addressing gun violence, urban trauma, and PTSD among young Black and Brown men.
On the Room: As a West Seattle native and educator, Ortiz emphasized how important it is to sustain these spaces in the Emerald City.
"Spaces like this need to continue to be here in Seattle... making sure the Seattle community shows that Black and Brown folks are out here, especially highlighting Indigenous populations as well, and making sure we have that space for everybody,” she said.
Jazmin Rice | Spoken Word Artist
Piece Performed: "Growing Pains"
On the Community: Rice debuted a vulnerable new piece about stepping into new phases of growth and navigating the process it takes to get there.
"Every time I come here, I feel held, I feel safe, and I feel like it's where I'm supposed to be,” she said. “It's really a wonderful space to be, and I'm just so grateful that it's back."
What’s Next?
To everyone who stepped up to the mic, shared a piece of their heart, or held space from the audience: thank you. You made Colman Commons feel like home in every sense of the word.
“Huge shoutout to Colman Commons for creating a space where BIPOC folks can host their events and feel supported,” Jones said.
If you missed this one, don't worry, because this is only the beginning. Inside’s Open Mic returns on Friday, August 28th and every last Friday of the month, so bring a friend, bring your truth, and come build community with us!
Get your tickets today for the upcoming Inside Open Mic’s at Colman Commons on Eventbrite.
This Thursday, August 6th, the Colman Commons Grand Opening Art Walk Afterglow is going down from 8-10 p.m. at 811 1st Ave, Suite 91M, Seattle. Be there!
Looking to book a space for your upcoming event? Check out Colman Commons for all your event space needs at colmancommons.com
