Open Mic Night Debuts at Through the Looking Glass Sunday Night

When Wendy Birbeck opened bookstore and tea bar in , she had a vision.

That vision wasn’t confined to selling used books, children’s books and a wide array of teas.

It included book signings, and she has done that, including author of White Ivory From the Museum, and Secrets From the Museum, and Images of America: Galloway Township authors

She’s had , and on Sunday, Jan. 15, Through the Looking Glass will host its first Open Mic Night, beginning at 7 p.m. Acoustic music will be the name of the game.

“This is our first (Open Mic Night) with hopes of many more to come,” Birbeck said. “It's one of the things that I wanted to do when I planned Through The Looking Glass. There is so much talent in our area as you can see by all the artists we feature. Music was the next step.”

Birbeck said she began advertising for the event about two weeks ago.

“You never know what’s going to happen when you plan something so quickly,” Birbeck said.

Although it isn’t a lot of time to prepare or get the word out, it’s something patrons of Through the Looking Glass have been clamoring for since the tea bar opened last year.

“We've had many people come in and ask us to start our Open Mics,” Birbeck said. “It was time, so we jumped on planning. Originally we were looking at Thursday nights, but after finding out that The Noyes Museum offers Art At Night with many different activities (on Thursdays), we landed on Sunday nights.”

On this night, Through the Looking Glass will offer 10 percent off any purchases. Known for its trademark teas, Through the Looking Glass will be branching out for special events by adopting tea’s close sibling for the evening. Coffee will be available.

“For events at night we will be offering coffee,” Birbeck said. “Although we are a tea bar, I realize that some people just aren't tea drinkers. … Nothing special; just from the pot coffee.”

Birbeck thought there would be no better time to start than on a holiday weekend, and Martin Luther King Day is coming up on Monday.

“Our first is planned for this Sunday because it falls when many people have Monday off work, so we are hoping for a great turnout,” Birbeck said.

All are welcome to participate in the event, or to come out and check out the local talent. Birbeck urges those who wish to participate to call or email ahead of time before it gets filled up. To register, call 609-568-6234 or email ttlglass@­gmail.­com.