AUBURN — The Pleasant Note Coffeehouse will celebrate the 11th anniversary of its Open Mic and Poetry Slam at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 10, at the First Universalist Church of Auburn. Since 2006, this free monthly show has drawn people of all ages who share the spirituality of music and the spoken word.

Guitars and singers are to be expected, yet Open Mic has welcomed belly dancers, poets, rappers, storytellers and dog performances through the years. Karaoke is occasionally offered. Participants say they like this monthly show for the excellent sound quality and the focus on the performer, unlike other open mics in the area.

Locals may recall that 11 years ago, a musical “scene” had sprung up around Cafe Bon Bon in Lewiston. When the cafe closed, some members of the church decided to provide an outlet for all that creative energy. The Pleasant Note has continued on, consistently attracting new performers of all ages, along with its regulars.

You can watch the 10th Anniversary show, featuring originals only, on Great Falls during the month of March.

The Pleasant Note Coffeehouse presents Open Mic and Poetry Slam on the second Friday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the First Universalist Church of Auburn, 169 Pleasant St. (enter on Spring Street, across from the Dairy Joy). Handicap accessible; refreshments available. FMI: 207-783-0461 or www.auburnuu.org.

Longtime open mic veterans toasting last year’s 10th anniversary, from left,  Ron Spofford, Maureen Perry, Angelo Giberti, Brian Bickford, Mike and Toby Giasson.