openmikes.org

Had a pleasant evening at the open mike at the Ukazoo book store in Towson last Thursday night, January 3rd. Nice atmosphere (I find a certain comfort in being surrounded by books), chairs for virtually everyone, no sound system (I prefer this-gives a more natural sound), respectful audience (mostly people in their twenties), and free coffee and cookies. The crowd was fairly receptive, and as I looked out as I was playing and singing I felt like maybe I connected with at least one or two (especially my sister, who has been such a wonderful supporter over the last 30 years :-). The set list:

1. You Ain't Going Nowhere (Bob Dylan tune)

2. Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream (that timeless anti war song from the early folk revival, I believe written by Ed McCurdy, and covered by artists from Pete Seeger to Simon and Garfunkel)

3. Walking in Your Footsteps (The Police)

All in all a good experience, and the host (Shenko) even posted pictures on My Space (I feel that I have now truly entered the post-post modern era (error?). I am quickly beginning to realize that folk-oriented music is best played in living rooms, but there is still something to be said to getting out in public and presenting your wares. BTW, did I mention the free coffee and cookies?

Hello,

the website linked to 'Ukazoo Forum' should be http://groups.google.com/group/ukazooforum

so, to sign-up or for more info, folks'll have to go here.

The Ukazoo Forum is a reliable performance space for poets / musicians with original tunes / artists of all mediums.

Read your amazing short stories and poetry, rock your accordion or guitar, stage a reading of your recent play -- do what you gotta do. All forms of meticulously controlled release are welcome.

Sign-up in advance preferred on the website, or by phone (listed on website), or at the store. Or just show up. That's cool, too.

This is a free event -- free to attend, free to read/blast-off/whatever. Safety-goggles optional.

Starts at 7pm-ish, lasts 'till we run out of breath.

EVERY FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH FOREVER AND EVER.