Local Artists Lift Their Voices As Borders Expands Outreach

The first-ever Voices Open Mic night at the Borders in Canton drew musicians from Canton and Plymouth as well as Waterford, West Bloomfield, Westland and Farmington to perform before a live audience.

“It was a great turnout,” said performer Matt Majik, 21, of Canton.  “Usually,  when you get a gig at a coffee house, you see four people drinking coffee … and they’re just there for the coffee.”

Store associates Sean McNally and Christopher Sanchez came up with the idea of Voices Open Mic night after attending a similar event at the and approached their bosses.

“We came up with a proposal, printed up flyers and table tents and passed out the flyers in the area.”

McNally and Sanchez said they are thrilled with the response.

“This is an awesome turnout,” said Sanchez.  “We weren’t expecting such a large crowd.  I am very thankful that the artists could come together to share their work and I am inspired.”

The Canton location is one of the few stores that will continue to stay open after a massive reorganization under Chapter 11  forced the company to close 227 stores nationwide.

Mary Davis, public relations manager for Borders' corporate office in Ann Arbor, said that while each store was handled on a case-by-case basis, those that closed were under-performing stores.

“The Canton store is important. It was not an under-performing store.  It’s a vibrant store and we will continue to move forward with it," she said.

While employees at the Canton location can rest easy, since their store will remain open, the staff is making plans to extend the community outreach.

“What we’re doing at this store is going back to our community roots,” said Amanda Gonzalez, sales manager for the Canton bookstore. “We want to be a viable business where people can meet.”

Borders continues to host author book signings and programs promoting literacy, education and the fine and performing arts.

“Our stores have always been a community hub," Davis said. "Moving forward, we will continue to be a gathering center for local communities.”

The Canton store currently offers a children’s storytime on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and has recently partnered with organizations like Wayne Regional Educational Service Agency and Crossroads Community Church for  area book drives.

Upcoming events:

• Educator Appreciation Days April 8 through 12.  Teachers and administrators will get 30 percent off of purchases. 
• The Annual Springtacular Kids Event, which features stories, crafts and games, set for April 16 at 2 p.m.
• The next Voice Open Mic night, which is scheduled for alternating Thursdays, is planned for April 7 at 7 p.m.

To find out about more community events at the Canton Borders bookstore, click on this link or go to www.borders.com.

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