NORWAY – Downtown Norway on a cold winter night can be pretty dull.

But on the first Friday of every month around 7 p.m., cars start pulling over at the intersection of Pikes Hill Road and Main Street and scores of young people jump out, some with guitars and other instruments in hand, all heading into the Cafe Nomad restaurant.

Within minutes, a hand-written message is posted on the door saying simply, “Sold Out.”

It’s open mic night.

“It was my idea to get this started,” said Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School sophomore Emma Day Branch, who was one of many students involved in the Teens for Change Summit at the school last October.

The summit was a chance for teenagers and adults to work together and brainstorm ideas to support young people. Eight ideas, including the open mic night, were selected to develop.

Emma’s sister Ruby said the idea is fashioned after a similar program in Auburn.

“They do the same thing in Auburn. … We thought it would be cool to have it here,” she said.

With the help of Cafe Nomad owner Scott Berk, who often opens his doors to musicians and artists to showcase their talents, word soon got around that this was the place to be.

“I was at school and someone said there was a show that night. You guys should come,” said Jed Idiah, a member of the band Skoosh, which consists of Buckfield area high school and college students.

More than 100 young people from around the Oxford Hills and a scattering of parents were inside the cafe Friday evening listening to music ranging from a classical pianist to rock bands and even a stand-up comic as owner Scott Berk filled orders for coffee and other refreshments.

“We welcome any talent,” said Emma Branch, as she tried to talk over the noise of a saxophone, drums, guitar and trumpet being played by the band Loose Change.

Berk said open mic night has been such a success that crowds meant he had to restrict numbers. Despite the crowded conditions, the young people are well-behaved, he said.

“We love it here,” said parent Ben Edwards of Oxford. “The owners are great; the food is great. It’s a good time for all.”