MurMur Nights at Purring Oaks: A Gentle Open Mic in Benton Harbor, Michigan

MurMur Nights: Open Mic in Southwest Michigan

Maybe you’ve been holding a song inside your chest for a long time.
Maybe your words only come out when the lights are low and the room feels safe.
Maybe you love music, poetry, movement, or sound—but traditional open mics feel loud, fast, or intimidating.

MurMur Nights at Purring Oaks were created for you.

MurMur is not about performance perfection or stage presence. It’s about finding your flow, following curiosity, and letting expression unfold in a room that feels human, cozy, and kind.

Held at Purring Oaks in Benton Harbor, Michigan, MurMur Nights offer a soft, intimate alternative to traditional open mic nights in Southwest Michigan. We’re located about two hours between Chicago and Detroit, making this a welcoming creative stop for locals and travelers alike who are craving something more grounded and connective.

A Low-Pressure Open Mic in Southwest Michigan

MurMur Nights are designed as a gentle, nonjudgmental open mic experience, especially supportive for:

• First-time performers

• Artists who feel nervous sharing their work

• Musicians, poets, dancers, and experimental creatives

• People who want to explore sound and expression without alcohol or hype

This is a night where you can:

• Perform something fully formed

• Share a rough draft or improvisation

• Join in collaboratively

• Or simply sit, listen, and soak in the atmosphere

There is no hierarchy here. No rush. No expectation to impress.

Hosted by Ramon: Rhythm, Care, and Flow

MurMur Nights are lovingly hosted by Ramon (he/him)—our resident drummer, DJ, builder, massage therapist, and martial arts coach. Ramon brings a calm, grounded presence to the room, helping performers find their rhythm rather than forcing it.

He offers:

• Live electronic drumming

• DJ support and sound assistance

• Gentle guidance for those who want help entering or exiting their performance

If you’re unsure how to begin, Ramon will meet you exactly where you are—with patience, compassion, and zero judgment.

The Space: Cozy, Sensory-Friendly, and Full of Magic

MurMur Nights take place in an intimate, softly lit room at Purring Oaks—essentially the nighttime cousin of our Rainbow Workroom.

You’ll find:

• Cozy corner sofas

• Old wooden dining chairs reupholstered in Lisa Frank–style magical vibes

• Plushies, soft textures, and warm lighting

• Fidget toys for busy hands

• Cats wandering through for those who find comfort in a cuddle

This is a sensory-considerate space, designed to support nervous systems as much as creative expression.

The Vibe: 420-Friendly, Alcohol-Free, Open Genre

MurMur Nights are 420-friendly, but intentionally alcohol-free, creating a lowkey, grounded atmosphere where people can stay present and connected.

Musically and creatively, all genres and forms are welcome. We especially love:

• Progressive rock

• Jazz, R&B, and soul

• Experimental sound and electronic music

• Spoken word and poetry

• Performance art and movement

• Dancers, embodied expression, and “poetry in motion”

Yes, you’re welcome to play metal too—we encourage all forms of music and expression here.

Live Art Through the Night

Throughout the evening, Brook (they/them) will be creating live art, responding to the sounds, movements, and emotional textures of the room. Their visual work becomes a quiet witness to the night—capturing mood, rhythm, and connection as it unfolds.

For Performers, Listeners, and the In-Between

MurMur Nights are for:

• People who want to share their voice

• People who want to listen deeply

• People who aren’t sure yet what they want to do

You don’t need to sign up as an “artist” to belong. Presence is participation.

Community, Expression, and Being Together Again

We live in a world where so much expression happens behind screens. MurMur Nights are an invitation to gather in person, feel sound in your body, and remember how powerful shared creative space can be.

Community is resilience.
Expression is medicine.
And together is how we grow.

Join Us for MurMur Nights at Purring Oaks 🌙

If you’ve been searching for:

• A gentle open mic in Benton Harbor

• Creative music nights in Southwest Michigan

• Low-pressure performance spaces near Chicago or Detroit

• Community-centered art and music gatherings

MurMur Nights are here for you.

✨ Check our calendar for upcoming MurMur Nights at Purring Oaks.
✨ Come perform, listen, or simply be.
✨ We’ll hold the room with care.

You don’t have to be loud to be heard. Sometimes, a murmur is enough.