Open Mic Jam Night: Airmen, families in the spotlight Published June 26, 2015 By Senior Airman Erin O'Shea 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Musicians, rappers, singers and poets now have an open stage for performances at RAF Lakenheath's Electric Avenue. Open Mic Jam Night is held at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month, to encourage base personnel to perform with other local artists. "People are trying out new material and are working with other people they have not worked with before," said Dean Mitchell, manager of Music Sports located inside Electric Avenue. "It's networking and gives an opportunity to meet other musicians and play with other people." Local violinist, Shondalla Calder, has performed twice at Open Mic Jam Night, and she says the event is a great experience. "I feel that it's a great opportunity to meet musicians and to express ourselves musically," Calder said. "It's also a place of opportunity. I was invited to play live on a radio station, and my music is now for sale in the store." The event is open to base personnel of all ages, and, according to Mitchell, it serves as a great outlet for musicians and artists to collaborate. According to Mitchell, Electric Avenue employees highly encourage Airmen from the dorms to play and perform outside the comfort of their rooms. "It's surprising how many musicians and how much talent there is on the base," Mitchell said. Free pizza and drinks are provided in a relaxed environment for family members of all ages. "So many people were coming in, and they wanted advice," said Jamie Ritter, Electric Avenue manager. "It was a way for us to get the blooming musicians to come in and network with other musicians. The more musicians, the merrier." For more information, contact Electric Avenue at 01638 522067 or DSN 226-2067.