Open Mic Webpage

Annual Open Mic Event

Open Mic is an annual Mount Tamalpais College event held at San Quentin just before the winter holidays. For many years, it has been a space where San Quentin residents take the stage to share a wide range of creative work and performance art with the College community. At a time of year that can be especially challenging for people in prison, the event offers an opportunity for joy and community through creative expression.

“It’s been one of my favorite MTC events to attend since I got here in 2007. Back then, it was the talk of the town after each show—and it’s still just as entertaining today.”

JUAN MORENO HAINES, MTC STUDENT
21st ANNUAL OPEN MIC: EVENT RECAP

Hosted by MTC students Lee Smothers and Steven Drown, the College’s 21st Annual Open Mic took place on Friday, December 19, 2025 and featured more than 20 acts, including original songs, hip hop performances, dance routines, poetry, spoken word, literary readings, and speeches.