A behind-the-scenes look at how Pop-Up / Speak-Up activates third spaces through spontaneous music-making and connection. 

In today’s fast-moving world, where many conversations happen through screens, it’s easy to forget how grounding it can feel to simply gather. To be in the same place, at the same time, and share genuine moments with each other.

That’s the power of third spaces.

Coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, the term refers to the informal public places that exist between home (your “first” place) and work or school (your “second” place). These spaces are often the heart of a neighborhood: parks, libraries, community centers, and coffee shops, where people naturally gather. They’re where we connect, unwind, and simply exist together.

At We Amplify Voices, we believe in the value of these spaces—and we take it a step further by sparking creative expression and connection within them.

That’s where Pop-Up / Speak-Up comes in.

Through this program, WAV Artists tour the city and go into communities, creating safe spaces for creative expression where people of all ages can explore new instruments and start authentic conversations. We pop up in third spaces —outside a library, at a community walk, or in front of a local nonprofit—with instruments, microphones, and an open invitation to join in and speak up.

Pop-Up / Speak-Up is made possible with support from Art Makes Columbus, a citywide campaign by GCAC that connects art lovers with creative experiences across Columbus.

🎥 The video above gives a glimpse into our first Pop-Up / Speak-Up of 2025, at CATCH Court. But we’ve popped up all over the city, and each time, something unexpected happens.

Here's What Happens When We Pop Up

Stories from WAV Artists, Ebri Yahloe & Ben Reineke

1. Someone new to the city finds their people 

Locations: Franklinton → Short North Gallery Hop → Milo Arts 

We met Hischam, a man new to Columbus from Morocco, at the Franklinton Development Association Pop-Up. By chance, we saw him again at the Gallery Hop, invited him over, and he quickly became part of the team, even bringing others to the mic. Then we invited him to join us at Milo Arts the following week. Now, thanks to the connections he made at our events, he's a regular at Milo's open mics and has built relationships that will last beyond his time with us. We were just in the right place at the right time for him. 

Takeaway: One simple invitation, and a shared moment through music, can lead to lasting connection and a true sense of belonging.

2. Playing music sparks a new joy- at any age

Locations: Directions for Youth and Families, Milo Arts 

The first pop up we ever did was at Directions for Youth and Families. One student, Keylin, was the only one who joined us, and we jammed together the entire time. Over the weeks, our presence became something people looked forward to, and what began with just Keylin has grew to a crowd of about 20 kids each time. Keylin remained a regular, showing up every week, excited for our open mics. He’s told us the sessions are his new favorite thing and that he doesn’t get opportunities like this anywhere else. 

At a pop-up at Milo Arts, a woman sat down at the drum kit and beamed. “Doing this is living my dream,” she said. Her joy for trying something new as an adult was infectious. Whether it's a kid discovering their rhythm for the first time or an adult finally living out a quiet dream, these moments remind us that creative expression is for everyone. We’ve had parents stop us to say: “I thought my kid was a football player, I didn’t know he could do that.” 

Takeaway: Whether it’s for the first time or the first time in years, having the tools and opportunity to play music in a welcoming space can unlock a whole new sense of self.

3. A parking lot becomes a neighborhood concert

Location: The Franklinton Development Association 

Outside the Franklinton Development Association, we set up our gear in the parking lot. At first, just a few people wandered over to check out what we were doing. But within minutes, that curiosity turned into a full band “on stage” of walk-up community members. 

Neighborhood kids joined in too, helping perform “We Are the Key,” a song written during a previous WAV youth workshop. It was a completely unplanned, heartwarming community moment. As we packed up to head to our next stop in Linden, someone said, “This is what our community needs—especially the kids and teens.” 

Takeaway: With no walls, no sign-up sheets, and no pressure, a sidewalk becomes a space where neighbors who usually just pass each other start building stronger bonds.

4. A drumbeat unlocks healing for a gun violence survivor  

Location: End Gun Violence Community Walk with We Are Linden 

At Linden’s Community Walk, there was a 14 year-old boy named Austin who jammed with us on the drum kit from start to finish. He was shot four years ago, and said he was a good drummer before the incident. He said he still plays but forgets how. Watching him pause, then snap back into the rhythm, was powerful. It was a real-time journey of relearning. It reminded us how music uniquely taps into the brain, offering something no other activity can. 

Takeaway: Healing can happen when we least expect it, and even if we don’t know what someone needs that day, a moment on the drums might be it.

5. People share more than we expect- and we start listening differently

Locations: Sanctuary Night, CATCH Court, All Pop Ups 

Mandie Knight, the Director of Operations at Sanctuary Night, an organization serving vulnerable womxn, shares how open mics can provide a way to break down judgements and barriers.  

Gwen England, Program Leader at CATCH Court, also talks about how sharing is difficult, but when we are in a safe space we feel a permission to try new things and connect with others in a new way.

These moments can happen anywhere.  

At our public pop-ups, you don’t know who’s going to walk by or what they’re carrying with them. You don’t know what stepping up to the mic might mean for them. But you can listen. And in that moment, something shifts, judgment fades, and connection forms. 

That’s the power of creating space in public, not just to be heard, but to hear each other. 

Takeaway: Expression fosters empathy. In public creative spaces, both the speaker and the listener are transformed.  

Behind the Scenes: How We Make it Happen

• Our partners are essential, from Art Makes Columbus to every host site that makes space for us to show up and stay a while.

• We open with live performances from our artists to set the tone. Sharing their own music helps model vulnerability and invite others in.

• We bring open mics, instruments, and a welcoming energy. From full drum kits to hand percussion and keyboards, we create a space that says, “You’re invited.”

• We include low-stakes instruments like bucket drums and shakers, things anyone can try, no experience needed.

• Sometimes we bring karaoke, offering a familiar and low-pressure way to participate.

• There’s no schedule, no sign-up, and we encourage to just come as you are. That openness is intentional. It makes creativity accessible and spontaneous.

• We engage gently. Passersby are invited organically. Some jump in right away, and others slowly warm up.

• We stay long enough to create a real moment, and we come back. That consistency builds trust and turns one-time interactions into lasting connections.

Why This Matters

Third spaces might be places we pass through without thinking. But when we pause, and make space for something unexpected, they can become places where real connection happens.

Pop-Up / Speak-Up is one small way we help bring those spaces to life. Not with a big production, but with music, instruments, a mic, and an invitation.

We’ve seen what can happen when someone steps up to a mic or picks up some drum sticks. They might discover something they didn’t know was in them. Or share something they didn’t think anyone would listen to. And when that happens in a public space, people around them feel it too.

We invite you to join us at Pop-Up! Bring a friend, step out of your comfort zone, or just listen.

And beyond that: show up for your third spaces.

Support your local library. Attend a neighborhood gathering. Say yes when a community organization asks for volunteers, or a park needs your voice at a city meeting.

These spaces don’t just stay alive on their own, we keep them alive, by showing up.

Thank You to All our Pop-Up / Speak-Up Partners!