Who we are
We are an artist centered, multi-city event series and open mic night that started in Chicago, IL with co-founders BOLY Blaise and Simon Sed as a weekly open mic night in 2013. In March of 2023 we expanded to Indianapolis for a monthly open mic night and have also curated pop-up events across the Midwest. From its earliest days, our event has emphasized spontaneity and freestyle culture, inclusiveness, and having fun with music. We put the love of the craft above all and care much more about your music than your image. Our belief is that the world needs more artists and their art. Our mission is to provide a creative, fun, and inclusive environment where artists are respected, heard, and encouraged. We provide spaces where artists and fans can build community and grow.
Check out the events listed on our site and sign up or grab tickets when available to become a part of our growing community of artists, fans, and family!
Please contact any of our hosts for more information on how to attend or participate!
Chicago: BOLY Blaise (@bolyblaise)
Indianapolis: Rhetoryk (@rhetoryk_3rd) / Simon Sed (@simon_sed)
The Health Club
Our Indianapolis Sponsors
The 3rd Thursday Indianapolis open mic is proudly sponsored by our hosts, The Health Club! The Health Club is Indiana’s first ever THC taproom. They craft high quality beverage alternatives to alcohol, as well as other awesome products you can try. The Health Club is also a bastion of culture and community, frequently hosting culturally enriching events. We strongly encourage you to visit them online or in person (6420 Cornell Ave). Keep the buzz, lose the hangover!
Inkiscape
While Lyrics & Libations started with Big Ole Lil Young Blaise and Simon Sed, their meeting and journey stems back to a YouTube channel. A YouTube channel called TairyHesticles that exclusively posted indie/alternative hip-hop. This YT channel and mutual love of music brought a group of artists, that include our co-founders, Uncle Tairy, Joey Quinto, Airospace, Cauzndefx, Mic Excel, and Jay Kubes together. That togetherness birthed a collective called Inkiscape. Inkiscape, the artists involved, and the spirit of independent hip-hop will always be woven into the history of L&L!
