By Bruce Nichols
Recently I visited two coffee house open mic sessions that are listed in our SWBMAI calendar of events to see what they were like. One has just started, and one has been going for two years. Each had an audience of 20 or so local people enjoying the music.
The first event (just started) was at the Books & Brew Coffee House in Milton, Wis., and was hosted by Tom & Nancy Garrett of Janesville , and included myself, Jim Hodges and his 14-year-old grandson, and two other dulcimer players. Tom played his mandolin, gourd banjo, and open-back banjo. Nancy and two others played dulcimers, Jim and grandson played guitars, and I played banjo. A variety of acoustic music was played without amplification in this attractive old mill building with exposed wood beams and soft chairs and couches to sit on. This was a fun event with open conversations between the musicians and audience. Local musicians are encouraged to contact Carla at 608-868-3371 for details of this 6:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday night event. The management would like some Saturday events in the future.
The second event was held at the Cross Roads Coffee House in Cross Plains, Wis., and is held on the first and third Friday of each month from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Starting it’s third year and run by Joe Snare, a variety of local musicians support this open mic and play popular, folk, blues, and other kinds of music. Bluegrass musicians are invited, but none came this night. Guitars and keyboard were amplified, and microphones were available for vocals and violin. While many of the events are open mic with sign up sheets, some evenings are invitation only. It is suggested that musicians wishing to play should call ahead to get on the schedule. Performer capabilities ranged from beginner to advanced. I did not know anyone, but would like to convince a couple of players to come to our Monday night Dry Bean jam.
We have an opportunity to present our wonderful music to new people at these coffee house events. There is no charge and the public does come. I hope our musicians will come to play at some of these future events.