Visitors to Thursday's first bi-monthly free Open Stage Talent Show at the new Community Arts Center in Tamaqua were treated to local performers showing off instrumental, music, vocal and comedial talents.

The center is offering open stage opportunities every first and third Thursday of the month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the center. Sign-up starts at 5:30 p.m. and are open to all ages and counties.Visitors can vote for the favorite performer by placing a donation in a container. Half of the donation goes to the community center.Organizers are encouraging performers, community members and visitors to stop by the center, located at 125 Pine St., to show off their talents or to vote for their favorite performer.The event is hosted by volunteers Kathy Rimm and Jack Kulp.For more information or to volunteer, contact center director Micah Gursky at (570) 668-6899 or via the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership website,

www.tacp.info."This free event is open to everyone and all types of talent are welcome," says Gursky.