A 6-week competition for Chicago musicians that helped to raise money for the American Cancer Society

Aug 13th — The Open Mic Challenge was an elimination style competition for Chicago musicians. Each Wednesday night, viewers were able watch and vote for their favorite musician on this page.

Created by local entrepreneur Joe Martin and his girlfriend, Ashley Havertine, the event raised money for breast cancer research and awareness. A cause very close to them after Joe's mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer in May 2020.

The successful event helped to raise over $2,000, generated over 300 votes, and brought hundreds of people together to listen to Chicago musicians play live. In addition to the money raised, the structure of this fundraiser is also being donated to the American Cancer Society. All voting forms, emails, and the website are being sent to ACS. Email Ashley if you'd like to create this same type of event for your community of musicians.

And thank you again to everyone involved. Every musician, judge, voter, donator, and viewer — this was an incredible experience.

Know about future concert & donation efforts