Whether an amateur or professional, Beats and Bards Bazaar’s open mic night welcomes all levels of performers. We provide a microphone and PA system; you provide the talent!

Performers sign up in advance, with limited slots open on the event night. The host has the right to close registration at any time. Beats and Bards Bazaar focuses on performance arts like comedy, music, poetry, and spoken word. It is less common for groups such as rock bands or comedy troupes to perform, primarily because of the space and logistical requirements of preparing and sound checking such groups.

Performer Rules:

• Beats and Bards Bazaar is open to anyone. However, minors (age 16 and under) require a parent, guardian, or educator to be present during the event.
• Each act has 10 minutes to perform. Music covers and original work are both welcome. Please refrain from reading fiction or nonfiction works published by other authors.
• All performers must check in with the Emcee by 6:00 PM unless discussed before the event. Failure to check-in may result in a forfeit of your time slot to another person.
• Respect the Format/Equipment/Performers!
• The Emcee and/or library staff may exclude or stop a performance due to misconduct or offensive language.
• The Independence Public Library will only provide the space and a microphone. Therefore, each performer must bring their instruments.
• By participating, you agree that Independence Public Library may use images/videos of you and your performance for promotional purposes.
• Keep commentary on the mic to a minimum, and be ready when it is your time.
• We will do our best to accommodate all participants; depending on the response, we may offer time slots shorter than stated.
• Give it your best, but don’t worry about not being perfect! Instead, have fun and connect with other artists at the event!
• The Independence Public Library follows the CDC guidelines on COVID-19. However, due to the uncertainty of the virus, the Independence Public Library has the right to cancel the Beats and Bards Bazaar at any given time to keep our community safe and limit the spread of the virus.
• The event will be outside when weather conditions are favorable (60-90 degrees). On unfavorable days, the event will be inside the library (space may be limited inside).
• Regulations are subject to change.

Beats and Bards Bazaar is a local marketplace where you can shop and listen to the best of locally made goods and entertainment. Local entrepreneurs are encouraged to utilize the library’s small business resources in preparing for each Bazaar. In addition, Beats and Bards Bazaar offers vendors a unique outlet to sell their goods. The market is open to any vendor. However, preference is given to local (MG County) vendors who do not have a brick-and-mortar storefront. In addition, this exceptional atmosphere offers shoppers a fun and engaging environment to connect with local artisans, crafters, makers, and sellers.

Vendor Rules:

• You are accountable for the following:
  • Your Products
  • A payment method (e.g., Square) and a data plan that allows you to connect
  • Display/Table for your products
  • Shopping bags/boxes, if needed.
  • Shade, if needed
• You must provide your table and chairs. Unfortunately, electricity is not available for individual booths. Don’t hesitate to contact library staff in advance to make arrangements if you need anything or have questions.
• There is no booth/vendor fee associated with the market. However, spaces are available on a first-come, first, serve basis. Therefore, all vendors must register the Wednesday before the Beats and Bards Bazaar. Registering and failing to appear three or more times in a calendar year will exclude you from participating in future Beats and Bards Bazaar. The only exception is unless you notify library staff before the event starts.
• Each participant is responsible for their business/personal liability insurance to cover any loss, damage, liability, or injury at the Beats and Bards Bazaar. Participants waive any and all claims against the Independence Public library.
• Participants must obtain their local, state, and federal licenses and permits. Participants are also responsible for paying applicable sales tax for sales in Independence, KS.
• Market hours start at 6:00 PM the day of the event, unless otherwise noted. Vendors must be set up and ready by 5:45 PM. Market set-up will begin at 4:30 PM. Failure to set up or early tear down without prior approval may result in being banned from future events.
• Vendors should plan to bring enough assistance to transport their wares to their booths.
• The library will provide a designated space for you to set up. When weather conditions are favorable, the event will be outside. On unfavorable days, the event will be inside the library (space may be limited inside).
• The library will extensively promote our Beats and Bards Bazaar. Those promotional avenues include social media, online advertising, local publications, and local associations to ensure we bring out as many attendees as possible! In addition, we ask all of our participants to promote the event. Click here to see free promotional items you may use.
• The Independence Public Library follows the CDC guidelines on COVID-19. However, due to the uncertainty of the virus, the Independence Public Library holds the right to cancel the Beats and Bards Bazaar at any given time to keep our community safe and limit the spread of the virus.
• By participating, you agree that Independence Public Library may use images/videos of you for promotional purposes.
• The Independence Public Library welcomes all vendors. However, we prioritize local (resides within Montgomery County) artisans, crafters, and makers! Entrepreneurs who use MLM or Direct Selling are encouraged to apply as a vendor. Those vendors who live outside of Montgomery County are encouraged to apply as well. The Independence Public Library reserves the right to deny vendor applications anytime.

Each month the Independence Public Library features an artist and vendor to highlight! More information is coming soon!

Coming Soon!

Open Mic Resources (For Artists)

• Marketing Materials

Open Market Resources (For Vendors)

• Marketing Materials

Are you looking to book an artist for your next event? Are you looking to find that perfect gift? Then, use our artist and vendor list to Listen, Shop, and LOVE Local! The library lists artists and vendors after attending two or more Beats and Bards Markets.