Set against the stunning backdrop of Wasters, Arts Bar and Hotel, a vibrant gathering of artists and music lovers came together to celebrate the inaugural Dee What Yee Like—an open mic event hosted by singer-songwriter Sam Thomas. The event aimed to bring the beloved community spirit of Tunesday to Wallsend

The night kicked off with Sam setting the tone for Dee What Yee Like, describing it as a quirky, North East celebration of community. Above all, it was a space built on inclusivity, offering a safe haven for both performers and spectators. Sam’s heartfelt opening speech infused the room with warmth and anticipation, creating an atmosphere brimming with excitement and positivity. “It’s all about feeling included, it’s all about feeling comfortable and feeling encouraged and inspired”, Sam said, readying the crowd to embrace the incredible talent about to take the stage.

The evening’s entertainment began with Emily Davidson, who captivated the audience with her performances, including Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive, and a version of Guns N’ Roses Sweet Child O’ Mine that she beautifully made her own. Emily’s powerful vocals filled the room, showcasing her remarkable talent and vocal skill, and set the bar high for those to follow.

We were treat to a diverse range of vocals from talented performers, each bringing something unique to the stage. We spoke with somebody from Wales who was only in the area for work, but upon discovering the open mic event, he couldn’t resist the chance to step up and perform, including a stunning rendition of The Parting Glass, which went down very well with the crowd. His unexpected appearance added so much to the night, embodying the welcoming, inclusive vibe that Dee What Yee Like is known for. The community spirit was truly evident, with everyone supporting and encouraging each other, making it clear that this open mic wasn’t just about the performances—it was about connection. The night felt like a celebration of music, talent, and the joy of coming together.

12-year-old Helena Lilly stunned us with her talent. Her show-stopping vocals, showcased in her cover of Aerosmith’s Dream On, filled the room, leaving us blown away and absolutely mesmerized by her virtuosity. Lucy Shaw, a talented young artist, captivated the room with her remarkable vocal range and impressive guitar skills, even being asked to perform an encore with Florence & The Machine’s The Dog Days Are Over, a crowd favorite among the regulars at Tunesday, making its debut at Dee What Yee Like.

The stage was next lit up by Liam Cross’s exceptional performance including a stunning Sam Fender cover, resonating deeply with the North East crowd and those who travelled from further afield to be a part of this special night. The song brought a sense of home and familiarity, evoking a shared connection among the punters. Liam effortlessly showcased his incredible vocal talent, hitting every note with ease and emotion. His performance not only captured the essence of the original tracks but also infused them with his unique style, making them feel fresh yet nostalgic. The crowd couldn't help but cheer and sing along, fully immersed in the atmosphere he had created.

As the night went on, the talent continued to impress, with a mix of anything from seasoned performers such Scrannabis, who treat us to his beautiful beats and smooth vocals with tracks like Glue, to some more casual performers. One standout moment came when photographer Dan Low took the stage with Sam Thomas for an impromptu performance, adding a touch of spontaneity to the evening. Their playful energy was contagious, and the audience couldn’t help but cheer them on. It was moments like this that truly highlighted the inclusive spirit of Dee What Yee Like—whether you were a seasoned musician or just someone with a passion for performing, everyone had a space to shine.

The atmosphere at Wasters, Arts Bar and Hotel, perfectly complemented the event’s vibe and were complimented by the hard graft put in by Wasters owner, Metroland’s Caden Elliot. The cozy yet lively venue buzzed with conversation, laughter, and the sound of music, creating a sense of intimacy that made every performance feel personal.

As the night drew to a close, it was clear that Dee What Yee Like had achieved its goal: to create a welcoming space for all and to celebrate the incredible talent within the community. Sam Thomas’ vision for the event had come to life, and it was impossible not to feel the positive energy that filled the room. It wasn’t just an open mic; it was a celebration of the power of music and the strength of community.

For anyone looking to be part of something special, Dee What Yee Like is an event not to be missed. The sense of connection, camaraderie, and shared passion for music is palpable, and it’s clear that this open mic will become a beloved staple of the local scene.

“The Dee What Yee Like launch event was such an amazing night. From start to finish the talent on stage was amazing. Between the younger acts with such powerful vocals, to the stunning guitar playing. The venue had a professional feel about it and you could really sense that the acts were a showcase of the local talent in the area. Being from out of the area it was so refreshing to be made to feel so welcome as I was introduced to others by the host of the evening Sam Thomas. You could tell that he was passionate about making the acts feel supported and the addition of the stage lighting meant the focus was very much on stage. Can’t wait to see what talent shows up at the next event. Will definitely be making the trip again to be part of the new music scene.” - Lynn Wilson, a frequenter of Sam Thomas’ TikTok radio-style show The Morning Coffee, who had travelled from Scotland to come to the event.

Keep an eye out on the socials for the next Dee What Yee Like announcement

With special thanks to Sam Thomas, Caden Elliot, Dan Low, and Lynn Wilson