Xpressions is Oceanside, California's (North County) Spoken Word and Acoustic Soul Open Mic

Celebrating Expressions, Culture and Art

On any given day, you can hear waves crashing against the rocks near the Oceanside Pier, located in downtown Oceanside, California. Just a few feet away from the pier, you will find many barber shops, alteration shops, bars, restaurants, and newly developed condos. However, the past 2 months have brought about new and exciting sounds for the downtown streets and the residents of Oceanside.

Nestled between San Diego and Los Angeles lies the small, coastal city of Oceanside with a population of approximately 170,000. Due to its' fabulous year round weather and close proximity to several beaches along the historic 101 highway, it is a perfect tourist vacation spot. Because it does rest between two metropolitan cities, this quaint city is also close to major colleges and universities, Disney World, the world famous San Diego Zoo, and many other major attractions. While it is known for being a surfer's paradise, it is quickly gaining a reputation for being paradise to poets, dancers, musicians, singers and photographers throughout North County and surrounding counties.

Many are calling it the leading open mic in North County San Diego. North County has been long overdue for this type of "edutainment". Many of the local residents in this area, travel 35 miles south to San Diego or 83 miles north to Los Angeles on a weekly basis (or more) looking for an open mic where they will be able to freely and openly express themselves poetically, musically, through dance, as well as photography. Don't get me wrong, Oceanside has its' fair share of art exhibits, museums, and it is close to the California Center for the Arts in Escondido. However when artists and fans of such art, want to let their hair down and be absorbed in it, up until now, they had to travel away from Oceanside to feed their desires.