Edwina Tries ... Open Mic Night

This month, contributing writer Edwina Capozziello gets over her stage fright and steps up to the open mic at Philly on the Rocks in Erie's Little Italy. Check out the venue to catch up-and-coming artists or muster your bravery and give your act a whirl.

Full disclosure, I almost chickened out this month. I am certainly not what one would call "shy" but I do have basic self-preservation instincts and I know a lot of talented musicians. That list includes my partner, who joined me on my recent trip to Philly On The Rocks (401 W. 18th St.) for one of their Sunday evening open mic nights.

Philly's holds an open mic many Sundays from 6 to 10 p.m., hosted by a revolving list of local Erie favorites. The night I visited was on Easter Sunday and was hosted by Michelle Taylor (aka Elle Taylor, 40 Under 40 Class of 2023), a local singer-songwriter and leader of Elle Taylor Band. The event featured an egg hunt with a Pabst neon sign prize, and was well attended.

In the days leading up to the event, anxiety began to set in. I decided to forgo advice to have something prepared and instead thought I'd go with the flow. When I arrived at the bar, I started to sweat. "Maybe we're just here to support friends and I'll think of something else to do for my column," I said. I didn't add my name to the sign-up sheet, just sat near the front with a strange cocktail and an unnatural smile on my face.

Then fate intervened. Elle got on stage to present the next act but they weren't ready yet. So, she decided to do an original song or two of her own. I know her songs. I can sing along with many of them without preparation. She looked to the audience for suggestions of what she should do first, I piped up with an idea and offered to join her to sing background vocals. It was fun! It was over quickly and it gave me a giggly endorphin rush.

The evening featured other locals like Rusty B, Don Corey, Jeremy Martin, and JC Nickles as well as Kenya Vaun from Philadelphia who was in town visiting her mom. Everyone paid attention, applauded, and were kind to one another. Philly's is in Little Italy and certainly has a midtown, dive bar feel in the best way. You can come as you are and feel welcomed. Plus, the place has killer food (it's vegan cheesesteak featured as a 2025 Can't Miss Dish).

Edwina is Erie's (self-proclaimed) biggest fan who loves being a tourist in our own town. If you have an idea of something new she should try you can email her at edwina.capozziello@gmail.com