After six years putting on monthly open mic sessions at the Round Top Farm arts center in Damariscotta, organizers have decided to call it quits.

"It was a personal decision," said Jason Anthony, co-organizer and husband to songwriter Heather Hardy.

Hardy and guitarist Dave Martin were the featured performers on Friday, June 12, the group’s final event.

Anthony said that the decision came not only for personal reasons but because the owner of the center, the Damariscotta River Association, is planning renovations to the farmhouse in the near future. The gallery space in the farmhouse has been used for the open mic sessions in the winter with the nearby Darrows Barn supplying a larger venue in the summer.

"It is always been a good deal," said Anthony, in thanking the DRA  for providing the space.

Anthony and Hardy modeled the open mic sessions after successful programs in Belfast and Brunswick. The format involves charging all performers to pay a nominal fee and sign up as they arrive. Each performer is allowed up to two songs, poems, or short readings. After two hours there is an intermission after which the featured act is brought on stage for an hour-long set. The proceeds are then split between the featured act and the host organization.

"They recruited me," said Alan Lowe, who served for six years as emcee. Lowe met the couple while working at Rising Tide market in Damariscotta.

Lowe was joined by Tom Arter who ran the sound system. Hardy recruited several singer/songwriter friends who filled in between some of the up-and-coming performers who sometimes needed encouragement to sing before the public. Songwriter Nancy Sferra often accompanied Hardy on stage.

"It was very successful," said Lowe, who tapped many of the open mic guests to make video recordings for cablecast at the studios of Lincoln County Television.

For the final show Hardy was joined by a guitarist Dave Martin of Bremen. Together they played to an enthusiastic audience of about 80 people.

Hardy is currently working on the third CD and trying to raise money for quality engineering for the recording.

"I am very very busy," she said. Hardy instructs students both in guitar and ukulele as well as playing for area seniors.

Her website is www.reverbnation.com/heatherhardy