openmikes.org

This open mic continues to attract top talent, and the audience is growing. People seem to be passing the word around that there's great entertainment. It seems that this one is morphing into a larger scene, the seating is extending into the adjoining space now, friends and friends of friends of the musicians are starting to come - and to come back week after week. My advice to musicians is to come and listen first unless you have a pretty polished act. If you do, go for it - it's awesome, but if you're just starting, it might be better to get your feet wet in a smaller venue, then come back when you're a bit more seasoned.

Jeffrey Greene (5/2012)

Lisa Webber and Susan flanked me singing great harmony - what a good time! The varied performers were so entertaining I had a hard time concentrating on the delicious huge grilled shrimp.

Jeffrey Greene (4/2012)

I played last Thursday for the first time this year, and the music and food were better than ever. The crowd swelled to about 70 by 9:00. You do have to engage the audience, they're having a good time with or without you, but they get onboard enthusiastically if the performance is right for them.

John Beacher, if it's possible, is even better than he was last year with an unmistakably unique style fusing jazz, rock, and folk with an incredible sense of rhythm and dance - very very cool!

Lisa Webber was back as well with new songs, a swinging folk/rock performance, and a winning smile - the audience loved her and so did I! She and John are doing an WNPR performance in the near future.

The thing, though, that makes this open mike so special, is the welcoming feeling of community. Both Lisa, and John as well as Susan performed with me on my set along with a great drummer whose name I'll be sure to get next time.

Check it out, the music is great, and the food outrageous, I'll certainly be a regular.

Jeffrey Greene (4/2012)

You're playing outdoors, regardless of the season. The patrons are uber-noisy and unattentive, so be ready to holler out or be ignored.

Fred Bement (2/2012)

I played here two more times since I last posted here, and the music was the best. John Beacher puts on a sensational performance, and this time he played along with me as well.

There's a feeling of community among the musicians here that is welcoming and a lot of fun. Lisa Webber put on a beautiful show, finishing with a number where she invited anyone to join her on stage with harmony support - it was awesome!

I ordered a plate of the grilled shrimp, and it was mouthwatering with a bed of thinly sliced delicately prepared home fried potatoes and a half an acorn squash. The preparation of all three things was first class. This venue is not to be missed.

Jeffrey Greene (11/2011)

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