Teabag:

Teabag Open Mic is a rare commodity in New York City. Every Friday at 8 p.m., the basement of Silk Road Place in Chinatown boasts a free evening of entertainment that is quickly becoming the place to be. Originally established to supply an outlet for Asian American artists, it has quickly become something more that encompasses all ages, cultures, races, any sexual orientation and any gender. Teabag leaves its audience's ears ringing with laughter and music. As implied by its name, Teabag does not hold back.

Established one year ago, Teabag is bringing the arts back to the Downtown area. It is providing a means for all types of aspiring performers to showcase their talents. It is setting new standards for comedians, singer/songwriters, MC's, spoken word artists and dancers. Teabag also provides its own social commentary by daring to acknowledge cultural and societal issues. The audience that gathers for open mic night is diverse yet unified by a shared passion for performance-important connections are made within the walls of Teabag.

It is so much more than superficial entertainment. Teabag is a non-profit organization made possible by the insight and strong views of its creators.

"We're starting a revolution," Teabag's executive producer and host, Telly Wong, is eager to point out. "You don't start a revolution by preaching. You start it by doing something. We're trying to give back to Chinatown. Here people get their education, move out, and never look back. It's unlike other places, like Harlem, where kids grow up to become doctors and lawyers and give back to the community."

Teabag's creators are men with full-time jobs and real world responsibilities, but for one night every week, they donate their energy and compassion to contribute in changing the community they grew up in for the better. Events Manager William Lee, aside from volunteering for numerous organizations, also mentors children in the area. His expressed interest in Teabag is its ability to keep kids off the street and give them the ability to interact outside of their normal environment.

"If I could go back in time knowing what I know now and tell myself what to do as a kid, I would be so much smarter for it," Lee says. Since time travel is not yet a reality, Lee is, instead, imparting his wisdom on the younger generation.

Teabag is a success story. It is a new tradition passed almost entirely through word of mouth. Advertising tactics were never employed, and the extent of promotion was the distribution of a few flyers. What started off with only a handful of performers and even fewer audience members has truly taken off. Teabag is giving people a reason to come to Chinatown and a reason not to leave. With so many Friday nights lacking in excitement and trips to the bar no longer providing a stimulating escape, Teabag Open Mic is there to pick up the slack. Check out the show's website at www.teabag-openmic.com, or take a trip down to 30 Mott St. in Chinatown on a Friday night at 8 p.m. and see what all the hype is about.