Speakeasy started as a monthly open mike jam session in June 1999 at the Green Room. The house band soon developed an intimate relationship with the regular performers, which led to the generation of new material every month. Speakeasy late night events have expanded to a variety of Manchester venues, always drawing a culturally diverse audience from Moss Side, Rusholme, Hulme and other central Manchester areas. We have created a platform for participation and self- expression: by breaking down barriers to performance to create an 'art form open to everyone'.