ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - Creativity flowed in abundance during the first Open Mic Thursday at the Aberdeen Proving Ground North Recreation Center's North Side Grill Feb. 10.

Morale, Welfare and Recreation invites APG employees and Family members to participate in the event, which seeks to highlight spoken word, comedy, vocal and instrumental talents in the community.

The Baltimore-based jazz band Buddy Jordan's Beyond Blue backed up performers and provided musical entertainment for the first Open Mic Thursday. Led by Buddy Jordan on bass, accompanied by Sam Marshall on drums, Trendle Thomas on keyboard and Isaac Parham on saxophone, the band's smooth, flowing rhythm set the tone for the evening.

Spoken word artist Rebecca Dupas, an English literature teacher from Fort Washington, Md., hosted the event and delivered several of her original poems between acts.

APG participants included Annette Sanders of Army Community Service and Matt Jacobs from the Marine Corps Detachment. Sanders shared two spoken word poems, one that she wrote for her daughter for her upcoming marriage, and Jacobs sang two songs on guitar.

During breaks patrons took in displays set up by local vendors in the lobby.

Earlene Allen, MWR events programmer, said the program should become "even bigger and better."

"Open Mic Thursday is a great way for APG folks to come out and share their talents in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere," she said. "There's a lot of hidden talent on APG. Now is your chance to show your friends and coworkers what you've got."