Students perform at teen open mic

March 27, 2025

By Daniel Moctezuma

The Belton Journal

Belton students took the stage last Thursday night to share original songs, poetry, and live performances in front of their peers.

The Belton Youth Advisory Commission hosted Teen Night: Open Mic on March 20 at the Harris Community Center. From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., students in grades 8 through 12 were invited to perform poetry, play instruments, or sing in front of a supportive audience of their peers. Belton students took the stage last Thursday night to share original songs, poetry, and live performances in front of their peers.

 Recreation Coordinator Kyle Velasco said the event was inspired by input from students during YAC meetings. “Some of the kids were talking about what they wanted to do and how to bring students from other high schools together,” Velasco said. “They unanimously chose open mic night because it gives them the opportunity to go up and perform—do something a little different than just playing games—and actually interact with people and show what they’ve been working on,” said Velasco.

 YAC member Finn Mauk said the night was also a way for the club to open its doors to more students. “I just wanted to come and support my group,” Mauk said. “I’m about to graduate, and we want to make sure we’re recruiting people.”

 The Belton Youth Advisory Commission, or YAC, is a city-supported group made up of Belton-area teens who serve as a voice for youth in the community. Members meet regularly to discuss local issues, give input on city policies affecting teens, and plan events like Teen Night. 

“We want to leave it better than we found it,” Mauk said.

 Performances included original songs, covers, and duets. Stella Lufburrow, a YAC board member, sang and played guitar for the first time in front of an audience. “I’ve never performed in front of anybody but my mom and a couple of close friends,” she said. “It was definitely a little bit nervewracking at first, but I’m a theater kid, so I’m used to it.”

Lufburrow performed a song by Bob Dylan, a bossa nova tune, and a track by an indie band. She also sang “The Girl from Ipanema” as a duet with fellow student Cannon Hammonds. “I just love music,” Hammonds said. “I love writing and performing, and being able to have a place where I can put that on display for other people is a really exciting thing.”

 Velasco said the goal of the night was to encourage teens to connect with peers outside their typical circles.

“We’re trying to put all the high schools and other teenagers that are in the area together to bring them as one community,” he said.

Free snacks were provided, and no registration was required. According to Velasco, the city hopes to host more events like this in the future. 

“So far, everybody’s had very positive feedback,” he said. “They’re enjoying it, and they’ve just overall had a good time.”