Edgemont’s Got Talent

Although not quite as well-known as America’s Got Talent, last Friday night three Edgemont kids took to the stage to show their stuff and wowed the crowd. The Open Mic night at The Purple Crayon in Hastings-on-Hudson has been a monthly draw for adults and young teens alike who are looking for a cool place to let their inner rockstar out.

The relaxed vibe of this small converted church, painted purple and located on Main Street, is like a little piece of Haight -Ashbury in the heart of Westchester. Owners Sarah and Adel Hinawi’s vision of The Purple Crayon being “a community resource of programs to help both youth and adults actualize their passions and potential” could be seen very clearly on Friday, September 14th.

Edgemont 6th-grader, Will Buckser-Schulz, a young, but passionate musician, performed “Home,” by American Idol winner, Phillip Phillips and “Hey Soul Sister,” by Train.

Local rising star, 16-year old Chloe Gordon, performed both and original and a cover tune to a cheering crowd. Gordon, known for her achingly beautiful vocals and her stunning songwriting is not only becoming a major draw at the Open Mic nights, but she will be opening for Afro-Jersey, a band that blends West African music with American folk, this Saturday the 22nd at a Purple Crayon concert event.

But perhaps one of the biggest surprises of the evening was 7th-grader, Simon Cadel, who became the first ever Stand Up Comedian to perform at an Open Mic night. Some may equate a kid doing comedy with knock-knock jokes, but Simon worked the stage like Chris Rock as he delivered sharp, observational humor like Jerry Seinfeld. The adult crowd may have been tickled by this pint-sized comic, but the laughter was loud and genuine. As they say in the world of comedy—he killed. Watch him here : 

Open Mic night takes place the second Friday of every month and all are welcome. Unlike America’s Got Talent, you may not be performing to win a million dollars, but getting a chance to channel your inner Dylan or Diva is priceless.

Learn more about events at the Purple Crayon here.