Monday morning and I can't believe it. After making this post, I'm probably going to focus a bit on getting my bags ready for Steemfest 3, since I'm traveling tomorrow. I'm looking forward to meeting my fellow Steemians and some fellow open mic contestants there.

And of course, Luz and I have to share a drink, it has to happen! 
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Without any more delays, here we go:

<h1>First Place.-</h1>

@dianakyv - <a href="https://steemit.com/openmic/@dianakyv/92x5tmft">Prayer (cover)</a>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G7VqjVyB4g

What a beautiful performance and in three languages at that. I got goosebumps so many times listening I just knew this had to go as my first place this week. 

Congratulations guys, you really outdid yourselves.

<h1>Second Place.-</h1>

@montanacellist - <a href="https://steemit.com/openmic/@montanacellist/steemit-open-mic-108-crying-knot-fiddle-cello-voice">Crying Knot</a>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R33SIx-lMgE

I'm so glad this one was brought to my attention, of course I had it in my queue for listening, but a little bird told me I was in for a treat and boy the little bird was right. What a beautiful performance. I can't quite place my finger on the style, but for some reason I'm thinking Alt J and that doesn't make that much sense, I know.

<h1>Third Place.-</h1>

@josecabrerav - <a href="https://steemit.com/openmic/@joseacabrerav/m164p4wf">Ya no me acuerdo(feat Wilins)</a>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zw86mwrfM2Y

How awesome is this!! Two mega talented troubadours getting together to do some emotional music. What is not to like? - I'm so glad these two have become good friends and are dedicated to making music these days. I fully expect more and more amazing songs to keep coming from this duo.

<h1>Fourth Place.-</h1>

@k0wsk1 - <a href="https://steemit.com/openmic/@k0wsk1/94rzvxif">A little help from my Friends</a>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrPEfinUL3U

As an avid beatles fan, of course this is going to hit my radar and Kowsk1 did a super job with this amazing little song. The falsetto tone was so good, only that merit alone I knew he would make the list.

<h1> Fifth Place.-</h1>

@belenopr - <a href="https://steemit.com/openmic/@belenlopr/steemit-open-mic-week-109-l-ve-got-you-under-my-skin-frank-sinatra-cover">Under my skin (cover)</a>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-ytGLgf8OI

What vocal control!!! I was really impressed to hear how Belen was hitting all the notes, not missing one single one, and then to just drive it home, decided to simulate a trumpet right there in the middle of the song, just to make sure I don't pass this by. 


<h1>Honorable Mentions</h1>
In no particular order, these are some of the performances I loved this week.... I'm super grateful for being someone who gets to listen to this talent. 


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@mariajrruizb - <a href="https://steemit.com/openmic/@mariajruizb/ijgl834u">O sole mio</a>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJ8W63jAhHA

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@abelfernandez - <a href="https://steemit.com/openmic/@abelfernandez/iycbuxei">Sabemos</a>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZppj0jydPw

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@lostgalaxy - <a href="https://steemit.com/openmic/@lostgalaxy/steemit-open-mic-week-109-the-only-exception-or-disabella-cover-lostgalaxy">the only exception</a>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=So5XCUmdKsM

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@drewley - <a href="https://steemit.com/openmic/@drewley/steemit-open-mic-week-109-rest-original-piano-piece">Rest(original)</a>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRwyJXu6hnI


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Don't forget to checkout the official Steemit OpenMic judges picks from @passion-ground @krystle @soundlegion and @verbal-d. Winners selected and announced every Monday on @luzcypher's blog page.
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<h1>My deepest of Gratitudes</h1>
I would like to personally thank @ausbitbank, @curie and @aggroed for helping out our community. It's inspiring to see leadership taking the initiative to keep our beloved #openmic alive like this and its to me the biggest bullish indicator that we are on our way to a better, brighter tomorrow. 

To our long time patron @pfunk once again, thank you for backing this project as you have for so long. I hope seeing the community rally behind the contest that we love so much made you proud. We have something very special here, and you've been key for it to be what it has become.

<center><h2>Long live the openmic!!!</h2></center>
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And that is it for me and week #109, not too late in the day, not like last time... Ready to do this all over again!!! 

But hey friend, before you leave my post musical brother or musical sister, please know that despite the fact that we call this a competition, even though my post says first, second, third place, that is not what matters about the #openmic. In the end of the day the judges are just as human, as flawed and beautiful as everyone else on this planet. The ethos of this contest, of this community, is simply for us to have special place to share our passion for music, for us to laugh together, to cry together and explore emotions that everyday life seems to neglect in one way or another.

Every single one of you is valuable to me, so thank you for being part of my musical family...

Much love

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<h5>Other posts by yours truly</h5>

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