Barbara Kessler Teaching HCA Class

Renowned folk singer, songwriter, and former HCA Open Mic hostess Barbara Kessler will be teaching an Open Mic Workshop for teenagers (grades 9 -12) at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts this spring. The eight-week course, which begins on April 11 from 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., will focus on vocal and instrumental performance, song selection, stage presence, mic techniques and more. “This will be like a master class round table, where students will perform for each other and share their critiques,” Kessler said. “We want to give everyone a moment to shine.”

Kessler has recorded four studio CDS, including the recently released What You Keep, which she also produced in her home studio. Her music has been critically acclaimed by music critics and she has won awards such as Best Debut Folk/Acoustic Album by the Boston Music Award, and First Prize in the USA Songwriting Competition/Folk Category. Her work has also been featured on television shows and on the Play Station game Rogue Galaxy.

“Barbara is such a wonderful talent and we are very excited that she is sharing her skills and talents in the Open Mic Workshop,” said Kelly Grill, executive director at HCA. “She did a wonderful job hosting our Open Mic nights and I’m sure she will use her experience to show these students what it takes to be successful in that genre.”