Headwaters Open Mic and Coffee House Welcomes All Ages Feb. 6

Headwaters Music and Arts will welcome local musicians, singers and spoken-word performers to its Open Mic & Coffee House at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at 519 Minnesota Ave. NW in Bemidji. Doors open and in-person performer sign-up begins at 6:30 p.m., and admission is $4 per person or $10 per family.

The volunteer-run night is designed as a low-pressure performance opportunity: "Headwaters Open Mic & Coffee House is a welcoming, supportive community for local musicians, singers and spoken-word performers." Performers may sign up for a 10-minute or 2-song set, and organizers say "all ages and skill levels are encouraged to sign up for a 10-minute or 2-song set." Apple Blossom Village will sell coffee and treats during the evening, keeping the event true to its coffee-house roots.

Open Mic is staffed and operated by volunteers. "How does it work? Open Mic is a volunteer-led community event," the venue notes, with each night guided by an emcee and volunteers who collect admissions, set up and tear down equipment, and run sound. Residents interested in performing, volunteering or confirming details can contact volunteer coordinator John Henningsgaard at jjhgaard@gmail.com or call 218-444-5606. Advance performer sign-up is accepted by email; walk-up sign-ups begin the night of the show at 6:30 p.m.

The program runs on a regular cadence intended to build a dependable arts calendar for Bemidji: Open Mic nights take place on the first Fridays of the month at 7:00 p.m., September through June. That consistency helps local performers and families plan attendance and gives small businesses such as Apple Blossom Village a predictable weekday opportunity for sales during winter cultural hours.

Headwaters has featured a range of local acts in past months; recent lineups elsewhere at the venue have included performers such as Garrett Raddatz. Available listings for the Feb. 6 show did not include a full featured-performer lineup. A syndicated blurb referenced a performer named "Dean" without a last name; Headwaters did not publish a complete roster in the materials reviewed. For the confirmed lineup and any ticketing options, organizers recommend contacting Henningsgaard directly.

For Bemidji residents, the event is both a stage and a community floor: it provides performance exposure to local artists, a family-friendly evening out for neighbors, and a volunteer entry point into the local arts ecosystem. Expect a relaxed room, short sets, and the chance to sign up and play or listen. If you want to perform, volunteer or just grab a cup of coffee and support local talent, sign up by emailing jjhgaard@gmail.com or call 218-444-5606 to confirm details.