Every third Friday of the month, a buzz of excitement fills the air at the Tucson Mall, but it’s not the sound of cash registers or shoppers strolling between stores.
Instead, it’s the rhythmic beats of live music, the powerful words of spoken-word poets and the passionate flow of aspiring artists. This is Light the Mic, a unique open mic event that has quickly become a staple in Tucson's creative scene.
Designed to give artists of all disciplines a platform to showcase their talents, Light the Mic offers a welcoming space for anyone — whether they’re rapping, reading poetry, singing or performing stand-up comedy. Light the Mic, held at the Tucson Mall at Catalyst Creative Collective, has grown in popularity, attracting a diverse crowd of spectators and performers of all ages eager to experience the magic of local talent.
“This is more than just an open mic. It’s a community of artists who come together to support one another and share their stories,” said organizer and founder Meela Hill. “The mall might seem like an unusual place for an open mic, but it’s the perfect setting because it’s open to everyone — no matter your background or art form. It's all about breaking down barriers and creating space for expression.”
Light the Mic began in 2023, with the aim of providing an inclusive environment where local artists could experiment, showcase their work and connect with one another. What started as a small gathering of a few dozen artists has transformed into a highly anticipated monthly event.
Each Light the Mic night brings together a mix of artists from seasoned musicians to first-time performers. The stage has been graced by everyone from underground rappers sharing their latest tracks to poets reciting heart-wrenching verses about love, loss and identity, Hill added.
“You can come to Light the Mic expecting to see everything from a gritty rap battle to someone sharing a tender spoken-word piece,” Hill said. “It’s a celebration of all kinds of art, and that’s what makes it special.”
For many performers, Light the Mic has provided a much-needed outlet to hone their craft, Hill emphasized.
This is the first group picture taken of performing artists at Light the Mic in 2023.
“We've had so many wonderful artists perform since Light the Mic started. I feel so lucky to oversee such a unique event and think Tucson shines when we give our artists a stage,” Hill said. “We’ve been blessed with performances by artists like Sharkk Heartt who has toured with LeAnn Rimes and she has done open mics all across the country and she's told us Light the Mic is her favorite one she has performed at because of the community and conversations with other artists and that really makes me feel good because we work so hard to create this space that makes all artists feel welcome.”
The event welcomes newcomers and there’s a strong sense of mentorship within the shows. Experienced artists often offer advice, provide constructive criticism or simply cheer on the next generation of performers. It’s a place where collaboration and camaraderie are prioritized, rather than competition which makes these events unique and different from other open mics around town, Hill added.
Light the Mic events also prioritize audience engagement by holding raffles, hosting shows with unique themes and incorporating audience participation into the events.
“We’re all in this together,” Hill said. “The energy at these events is so uplifting. Whether I’m performing or just watching someone else, it’s always a reminder that we’re all here to support each other. This is about community, not just individual success.”
Light the Mic has become a melting pot for different genres and styles, attracting artists who might not have access to more traditional performance venues. The event’s accessibility and central location make it an entry point for young and emerging artists looking for a platform, Hill added.
“The most exciting part of Light the Mic is how unpredictable it is,” Hill said. “You never know what you’re going to see next. One moment it’s a rap cypher, and the next it’s a powerful spoken-word performance that leaves the whole crowd speechless. It’s that spontaneity and authenticity that makes the event so powerful.”
Light the Mic’s next event is Jan. 17 at 6 p.m. at Catalyst Creative Collective, 4500 N. Oracle Road, and tickets, which are $10, are still available. If you are looking for a spot to perform, the form is also still open.
Hill and the Light the Mic team are excited for the new year and have exciting plans for the year including a potential switch in venues to expand the performances and host more community members for their events, Hill added.
For local artists, Light the Mic offers more than just a stage — it’s a reminder that art has the power to unite people from all walks of life.
“What we’re doing here is bigger than any one performance,” Hill said. “We’re building a space for artists to be heard, to inspire and to remind each other that we’re all part of something bigger.”
For more information on Light the Mic and future events, visit their Instagram.
