Fort Myers coffee house to host teen open mics, music workshops

For several months, Nita's Sweet Bean Café has been hosting an increasingly successful Friday open mic night. Lately, more and more teens have been coming to sing and play.

So owner Nita Flores has decided to set aside a night just for teenagers who play and enjoy music.

"We've been told that there aren't nearly enough local venues specifically available for young, up-and-coming musicians," said Ms. Flores. "We hope to change that."

So Tuesday nights from 7-9 p.m., Nita's will welcome young adults to an open mic night in what Ms. Flores calls a "warm and inviting setting." Performers can play solo or in small acousticbased groups — think acoustic guitar, hand drums, horns — or read original poetry and dramatic pieces.

Ms. Flores hopes the evenings will also be an opportunity for teens to develop performing and songwriting skills with the help of mentors such as local solo acoustic artists (and Lee County teachers) Bill Metts and Chip Withrow. As the Tuesday open mic scene evolves, the family-friendly coffee house will sponsor workshops and contests, with local businesses providing prizes.

Nita's Sweet Bean Café is in the Denny Grimes building at 1870 Clayton Court in Fort Myers, next to Sam's Plaza. For more information, call 275- 9000 or visit myspace.com.