Emerging artist’s $1000 Open Mic tipjar surprise

Kitty Beach plays The King of Tonga Open Mic on the night of their windfall

The nature of popular Open Mic formats means that performers don’t expect anything but the chance to road-test their tunes and perhaps the odd drink card being thrown their way.

So imagine the shock when trans emerging artist Kitty Beach was given a tip of a cool $1000 following their Open Mic performance at Elwood bar King of Tonga by a supportive audience member!

“I was shocked but very, very grateful” Kitty said today. 

“At first I was a little reluctant to accept it, but my benefactor really wanted me to use if to further my career, which I’ll certainly do.”
As for the benefactor, who needs to remain anonymous for fairly obvious reasons, they were genuinely impressed by what they heard and saw in Kitty’s performance.

“I thought Kitty’s songs were great and that they should be heard by a wider audience”, they said.  “In particular their lyrics really resonated with me”.

 “I really thought there was something in them so felt I should support them.”
The benefactor also recognised the additional challenges trans performers faced.

“Its hard enough being heard out there without then having to work extra hard to be accepted in what can be a straight-laced industry”, they said, no pun intended.

 Host and organiser of the Open Mics Craig Reardon was also pleasantly surprised by the gift.

 “I’ve been doing this for some time now and all I’ve experienced in the way of income for participants is the odd CD being sold.”
“So this generous tip was completely out of the blue, but well deserved in Kitty’s case” he said.
“I hope it helps further their career in music”.                                                         

The Open Mics Reardon presents take place every Wednesday at The King of Tonga Elwood and Thursday at The Purple Emerald Northcote.

Kitty Beach’s socials are at Insta: https://www.instagram.com/stories/kittybeachmusic/