"Unplugged," an acoustic open mic by and for teens, will return to the Main Branch Library this weekend -- the event is actually open to performers as young as 11.

The free event will be held Saturday, Jan. 29 from 3-4 p.m. in the young adult room on the first floor at 82 Main St.

"It's an acoustic event, meaning people sing along to the keyboard or guitar, but it's not a concert. There's no amp or bass. It's like a coffee house." said Melissa Rauseo, young adult librarian.

The first "Unplugged" open mic was held last May and there were seven to eight performers and 25 guests (including parents and peers), said Rauseo.

"Last year, there were all musicians in the country, pop and pop/rock original genre," she recalled. "One of the girls did a Taylor Swift song, and I thought, it was better than Taylor Swift."

Open mic host Andrew Sentongo, 19, a senior at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School with four years as a bass in Peabody Chorale, said that was Swift's song, "Mean."

Last year, he sang Bruno Mars' pop tune, "Just the Way You Are," and played keyboard for his friend's performance.

This year, his ideas are: singing a pop remix of "How to Love" by Lil' Wayne and a smoother pop/rock version of Adele's "Rollin' in the Deep."

In fact, the idea for "Unplugged" came from Sentongo, who was also a summer intern at the library last year. Rauseo thought up the name for the event.

"I wanted to create something a little similar [to Peabody Chorale]," said Sentongo, who plans to study business and dance at Bridgewater State College this fall and eventually transfer to New England Institute of Art in Boston to major in audio production.

For the second consecutive year, the young adults requested to perform in front of a small audience.

Although musicians are likelier to appear, the open mic is also open to jugglers, whistlers (inspired by "The Muppets" movie), poets and comedians between 11- and 18-years-old. That's the age group the library defines as young adults, after all.

Really, any talent is encouraged.

"There'll be the same basic setup as last year, but hopefully more performers," Rauseo told Peabody Patch. They're hoping to get at least 10 performers.

A keyboard will again be provided, and students choose their gig, whether it's one performance or several.

Rauseo said they may hold another open mic later this year as well.

"It's a good event to bring family to. It's relaxed, quiet, and you get to hear the many voices of Peabody. Last year, it wasn’t as successful as we wanted. It doesn’t matter what age group -- we'd love to hear anyone who has that ability and talent," said Sentongo.

"It's great to see we have such talented young adults in our community," Rauseo added. "It's great that the community supports this cultural talent."