The second location of The Cottage will open later this year at 49 Greenwich Avenue.

They come to read a story they’ve written for toddlers, they come to describe a favorite chair in their home, they come to repeat a favorite part of a hero’s life, they come to tell of murder and mayhem or of hilarious moments in their lives, they come to talk about friendship and compassion, of romance, or of loss. They come on Open Mic nights in Greenwich.

Now in its second year in Greenwich, Open Mic nights were initiated and overseen by town resident Diane Tunick Morello. Popular throughout the country as venues for musicians, Open Mics for writers, poets or even artists are difficult to come by. Diane was determined to change that.

The idea for Open Mic, Diane says, came to her when she joined the Greenwich Branch of American Pen Women, an organization of professional women writers, artists and musicians committed to encouraging and inspiring excellence in original work. An important component of the organization is critical review by peers. Diane wanted creatives to have a place to present their work without overview. She also wanted a place where these creatives and their audience townspeople could meet one another in a friendly, enjoyable environment.

“Open Mic is a particularly appealing way for people to have their work heard without critical review,” says Diane. “The sessions are very open, and people are very generous in their appreciation of the work of the speakers.”

No stranger to stage presence, Diane is an experienced public speaker. As an analyst and marketing VP for 30 years with Gartner, a research and advisory company, Diane was at ease during ad hoc spontaneous forums before strangers. She knew how to clearly convey her message before a full house. She also has a long history of performing—and singing—in amateur...

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