Photos by Isabell Macrina
A family performance of “I Want You to be Happy”
By Isabell Macrina
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The quiet cafeteria of the Center at the Heights in Needham transforms on an ordinary Thursday night. A microphone stands at the front of the room surrounded by instruments. Sandra Rizkallah and her husband, Tom Pugh, set up the event for all ages.
“Two years ago, we got a grant from The Arc to do monthly inclusive open mic nights for six months, but it was so much fun that we kept doing it,” Rizkallah shared before offering the complimentary pizza. The pair founded the Plugged In Band Program 23 years ago as a non-profit organization, focusing on community and inclusivity through music. They pride themselves on having a place for anyone to learn music, regardless of age, gender, skill level, or disability.
Since they started these events, people from Plugged In and other community members look forward to it.
Sai Pitman and his mother, Kathy, have both been impacted by these events in their community. “He was worried it would be too loud and overwhelming, but everyone was so welcoming,” Kathy says while Sai makes himself at home at the drum kit, ready to play all night. They had joined Plugged In months ago and started attending the open mic nights soon after.
The night starts with a fun rendition of ACDC’s “Thunderstruck” which gets a few attendees on their feet rocking out. The variety of songs performed means there is something for everyone. Community and Plugged In member Gregory brings back the late ‘90s, early 2000s animated movie songs with “I’m a Believer” and “You’ll Be In My Heart,” while local Johhny brings out Green Day classic “Basket Case.” Pair Jay Flood and Daniel Volfson have everyone singing along with “West Virginia.” A family from Beijing heard about the event from a local woman and decided to join in. Ting, the mother, shares the songs’ messages of happiness and sings with her husband and their daughters.
What sets this open mic night apart from others is the support that came with each performance: no one had to go up alone. Some open mic nights will be people performing alone; here, there is a group of musicians ready to jump in front of the crowd and form a band around you. There was Sai with the guitar accompanying a rendition of “True Colors” and “Ring of Fire” and Tom Pugh who was always ready to back up any nervous performer.
These events create a safe, welcoming environment for anyone to perform. It is a chance to work on their confidence, or just to share something they love. More than anything else, this is a space to have fun. For more information about the Plugged In Band, please visit their website:https://www.pluggedinband.org/
