Be Heard
An Open Mic for Women's Voices
2nd Wednesdays, Artichoke Music, Portland, Oregon
Our Values
Presence
We are present with ourselves, with each other, and with the present moment. We favor presence over performance, vulnerability over perfection, availability over self-protection.
Co-learning
We don’t discriminate based on performance experience. In fact, the more range of experience, the better. We agree that seasoned performers have as much to learn from beginners as beginners have to learn from them. We are co-learning from each other since each perspective is unique and valuable.
Fairness
We don’t participate in favoritism disguised as “curation.” The chance element of who will play next is not only fair, but also part of the fun! We start and end on time to be fair to everyone who gives their time and attention to the night. We are fair to ourselves in that we don't demand more than we have to give.
Warmth
We care about being warm, gentle, and loving towards each other because we know how much courage it takes to perform. We know how impactful it is to have kind, conscientious support when we choose to be vulnerable and share ourselves with others, and so we extend that same generosity to our peers.
About Your Host
Hello! My name is India Nolen-Tuleja and I am a musician, poet, event producer, and host who is passionately committed to artist advocacy here in Portland, Oregon.
Trained in music (and life) in Western Massachusetts, New York City, London, and Austin, I blend the rigor of the city with the heart of my small town New England roots and bring a unique enthusiasm and dedication to my community.
I love facilitating opportunities for women to have more of a voice in the world, be with each other in community, and express themselves in a warm and inviting environment.
I started Be Heard because while I've participated in many women's events and circles, I had never found an open mic dedicated to women. I follow the philosophy of when you don't see in your community what you want to see, then create it yourself! The result has been the most moving, humbling, stimulating, and beautiful experience of my life.
I cannot wait to meet you and introduce you to this amazing group of women!
Testimonials
“In addition to the opportunity to perform and feel heard - as an audience member, I have been engulfed by the totality of the evenings as some of the richest, deepest performances of my life.”
“That night was NEXT level! You are such a wonderful host. We left with happy hearts.”
“It truly was one of the greatest times I have ever had on stage and in the audience.”
“Thank you so much for putting this group together - I find it healing for my soul…rarely in my life have I experienced such rawness and honesty…It’s really beautiful…thank you.”
“What a life-giving event. I feel fed."
“Last night SAVED me. So magical. I never thought I needed this space until you created it."
“I already want to bring 5 friends with me to the next one!”
“What a wonderful thing you're doing with Be Heard. For years I'd hoped for a night in Portland that would have opportunities for women, and only women. For years I competed in clubs with male instrumentalists at jam sessions for a chance to sing a song (we'd only get one, while the men could play their instruments all night if the emcee allowed it). Now, you have gone and done it: a night for women to sing (or speak!), with no men whatsoever on stage! Thank you for fulfilling my forgotten dream. It is so great to hear only women come together on and off stage, to speak, to sing, knowing that their time on this night will not be taken away by a man.”
Join Us!
We meet every 2nd Wednesday at
Artichoke Music at
2007 SE Powell Blvd. Portland, OR 97202
Lottery opens at 6:30pm and
closes at 6:50pm.
Show is 7pm-9pm.
5 minute stage time, inclusive of your introduction to your piece.
$5 suggested donation or pay what you can.
No one is turned away.
Music and poetry,
covers and originals welcome.
Come meet these remarkable
women with us!
Be Heard pre-sale tickets here:
