Open mic nights are like a box of chocolate - you never know what you're gonna get. This is especially true when the owner, our beloved Steve, warns me, "Y' know Scotty, if it's a bit slow like it was last week, we might be cutting out early." I shrugged, and he adds, like he usually does, "Did you bring Mr. Winston?" While that's a blog for another day - Mr. Winston was ready to go, but in the end, he wouldn't need to.

   At 6p, the crowd was thin - a few dinner eaters, and only a couple musicians - looking like it was going to be an early night. 6:30 came, a couple more players with the prospect of more to come had my hopes running on high. As host, I offerred up a greeting and began to play. Started off with some easy tunes with the acoustic - all the gear was working - which was my biggest concern. Anyway, some Dishwalla, a little Lowen and Navarro, Incubus - acoustic standards for your truly - obscure tunes, but the crowd applauded politely.

   A familiar face was sitting in the crowd - Tim - he's a regular fan and supporter of the open mics. On this night, he mustered the courage to take the Serenity Stage - what a debut. Opening with CSN's "Horse w/ No Name", followed by "Knockin' on Heavens' Door", ending with another oldie that I know was covered by Pearl Jam. His debut outpaced some vets I've seen there - great work and a gracious performer.  

   My relief upon the appearance of Bobby Lyon was marked. His performances are steadily improving, and tonight was no exception. Dipping into the Dave Matthews well and a Hootie and the Blowfish tune were great song selections, and well received by the steadily growing crowd.

   Kate couldn't have been any more than 12. She signed her name on the performer board, came to the stage with sheet music in hand. This first timer had confidence to burn. Armed with an MP3 player, loaded with some 'canned music' - she went into a current hit - I didn't catch the artist name - but the tune stays with you in a good way. She followed that up with "The Climb" by Miley Cirus - outstanding - big voice - Hope to see her again. Props to her brother for helping me out with the iPod!

   The next 1st timer for SS's open mic was Zack - tall, dark and handsome (I can say that due to complete faith in my masculinity). Once his black Ovation was plugged in, he performed a nifty rendition of Extreme's "More Than Words" - it was all I could do to not jump on stage and sing the harmony vox - but that's not the role of the host - support, man, support! He followed that classic with a tune from Weezer then Nirvana - vocally and acoustically solid . Well done! 

With an empty slot on the board, but a virtually full room, I took to the stage again - first w/ Bobby as he played the harmonica on my version of U2's "Streets with No Name" - not bad - I think the wine Steve gave me had me a bit jacked! Played two more tunes - breaking rule #1 of open mics - don't rehearse the song you want to play at the open mic on the way to the open mic. Oh well - the applause was warm and more people were coming in!

   The next performer hasn't been heard @ Serenity's open mic since Fall - Hillary - the red-head with a sweet voice, was joined - albiet @  a moments notice - by Brent - A SS regular - for a performance of a Jason Maraz (sp) tune - awesome. The interesting note here come in how Hillary placed her iPod on a music stand and used it as a monitor to read the lyrics.

   Serenity Station Open Mics simply aren't, without the performances of John Shuey. A steady improver, he took to the stage for a crack at "Turn the Page"  by Bob Seager. Not bad at all. Joined after by Bobby Lyon - the Ganasta Hippies performed the soon to be SS standard - "gansta love' - Blues be damned!

   Serenity Station was graced by the definition of unique for the next performance. Sylvain - I spoke with him briefly prior to his performance. Very kind and gracious. He took to the stage with only his voice as an instrument, belting out first, a traditional Irish song, followed by a olde Scottish song. When he finished, the roof practically came off the room - I've not heard applause that loud in SS. That was awesome.

  A taste of familiarity came from Brady and Brent - dipping into a Matchbox 20 tune "3am" - while unrehearsed, I think these two fellas have some potential. Brent took his seat in the crowd, - which by this time was at or near capacity - leaving Brady to the stage alone, traveling over some modern hits and his fav - Dave Matthews.     

   Zack returned, showing some depth and variation, playing some blues. Great stuff. And just when you thought his range was over, he breaks out a Ukelele. Elvis, anyone? No, he didn't sound like Elvis, but the song he did was authentically Hawiian - Nice.

  9p - I was about to graciously thank everyone - but alas - a final performer was seated with Hillary - Mike. He certainly looked the part of a musician - just his hair alone was spot on - once again, I'm very comfy saying that ! The Oasis tune he did was a great fit for his look,  tone and range - his guitar playing was clean and solid. As he unplugged, I asked - "Got another?" He paused, and said he though so. I asked the crowd, "Want another?" Oh, and they did.

  Dare I say it? But the Open Mic might be growing legs - maybe it's summer, maybe the kids are home from school - but you're supposed to dance with who came with you - and if they want to come and play,  so be it. 34 people came to SS between 6:30 and 9. Steve said it was the best Open Mic he's had. The 1st timers were such a welcome change - they made the night - glad I was along to for the ride.

smh