If you've ever wanted to a); have a recording of yourself performing live; b) be a featured performer on a podcast; c) be part of a clapping audience heard online or on a CD, here's what to do. Head to the Open Stage on Friday (July 14) at the Unity building in North Charleston, where all of the above will take place. The monthly open mic at the church at 3102 Blaine Blvd. will be recorded by sound engineer Bob Webb for a future podcast to be broadcast on thegazz.com. Any performers can sign a sheet if they wish their performance to be included on the podcast. Plus, for a $10 fee to cover costs, performers can get a burned CD of their performance from Webb, a few days after the event is over.

Anyone else who performs live could also use their recording as a song on a CD, so the chances could be several for having your cheers (or boos) recorded for posterity. I am going to give this a shot, taking off my gazz.com editor's beret and putting on my performing-songwriter one. I'll be giving it a go at recording a live album cut with musical mate Paul Callicoat, for an upcoming CD. (Or maybe not, if we go down in flames.)

The Open Stage is normally hosted by Mountain Stage host Ron Sowell, who is out of town this week performing. Open Stage regular John Lilly will step in to host instead. It starts 7:30 p.m. (Performers sign up at 7 p.m.)To get to the Unity building, go down Kanawha Boulevard, curve past Patrick Street Plaza and take a left on W.Va. 25, toward Dunbar. Take a left again in front of Suzy's Doughnuts at 29th Street and drive until the road ends at the river. Turn right and two blocks down is the glass-walled church. Admission is $5 adults, seniors and children; $2 performers. Call 965-5256 or 346-9210.