It’s been five years. The words. The music. Silent. Flight School Open Mic was grounded on April 25, 2017.

Flight School was a nocturnal affair, located in Culver City’s Arts District, hosted by vocalist O. Smith, poet Gia Scott-Heron, and multi-instrumentalist Hank G. According to Mike Sonksen it was “equal parts live music and poetry” and “there [were] even weeks where dance, live art and theater [made] their way into the performance schedule.” Sonksen continued: there was “a warm spirit of camaraderie at ‘Flight School’ that you [did] not see in many of the city’s venues. The spirit of cooperation and encouragement [was] emphasized rather than the competitive vibe many open mics project[ed].” Its “community-minded vibe” was palpable.

On May 25th, Flight School took to the sky again. O. Smith is back hosting this nocturnal gathering, but this time with DJ D-Major, Ventage and The Flight School Band. Now, it takes place every Wednesday, in Inglewood at The Playground Hookah Lounge from 8pm – 12am. All arts are welcome, from singing, Jazz and dance to improve, comedy and poetry.

DJ D-Major posted on Instagram before the night of its return, “You remember the vibes lets create more and new ones tonight. See ya soon!”