Last Open Mic of 2010

Well it’s been a heck of a year. The lack of blogging does NOT imply a lack of interest in the Open Mic. In fact, this has been the busiest season yet with two jam packed events so far this fall. Some of the highlights:

Drew, a Strathcona Dad and former member of the band Jamberry Ras (sorry Drew for possibly screwing the name up) has joined the Open Mic as co-host and sound guy. He also brings his considerable talent and stage presence to step the whole show up a notch (or ten). His energetic renditions of classic Bowie tunes will keep the neighbourhood rockin’ and expose our kids to the good stuff See blurry iPhone photo:

Timothy Shay, whose moving and inspiring poetry and music remind me of icons like Johnny Cash and Jack Kerouac (I’m not kidding – seeing this guy at our little Open Mic is like watching Dylan play a concert in pub down the street) has just moved to Strathcona from the Maritimes. I can’t help but imagine him hopping off a freight train or at the very least careening across the country in a 50s classic. This is all my own extrapolation – there is no reason to believe Timothy is even a tiny bit as destructive as J.K. was known to be, but I’m drawn to the mystique.

The Open Mic is still a kid’s event at heart though. All of the talent (Timothy included, despite my fantastical description of him) was very respectful of this. The kids braved the stage with a keyboard performance, cello (see photographic work of art by neighbourhood glass guru Jonathan Cruz) and other adorable, charming contributions. Not to mention their enthusiastic participation in various animal songs.

Enough blabbing, come on down and check it out! It’s the last one of the year!

When: 6:30pm – 8:30pm Sunday December 19th

Where: The Wilder Snail Cafe & Grocery at 799 Keefer Street and Hawks Ave.

Free, for everyone (especially families

Open Mike in Strathcona

April 25th was another fun and rewarding Open Mike event in our neighbourhood cafe The Wilder Snail. We had energetic and evocative poetry…

and our friend Richard came by with his acoustic bass again…

Aubrey is a Strathcona staple – a veteran musician who is soooooo generous with his talents – and can often be found gracing various local events. We’re grateful that he came to join us and played a song or two with Richard…

The next Open Mike is on Sunday May 30th, 2010 at the Wilder Snail: 799 Keefer Street. It will likely be the last one before the summer kicks in and we go on hiatus…so don’t miss this chance to party, enjoy music and other artistry, and hang out with the kids!

Open Mike – Spring 2010

Well Spring is upon us and the Open Mike has been going strong through the winter. Don’t have much in the way of photos, except for March’s event. VV has become a regular participant with her one-of-a-kind dance performances.

We also had the pleasure of hearing Richard’s stand-up bass in action…

Thank you all again for your wonderful support, and bring your whole family out for another Open Mike at the Wilder Snail Cafe on Sunday April 25th!! 6:30pm —-> 799 Keefer Street in Strathcona

Last Open Mike of 2009

We couldn’t have hoped for a better send-off to 2009 – a fantastic way to end an otherwise challenging year for a lot of folks. Lorraine arranged a surprise birthday party for her son Francis at the Open Mike. On top of an already substantial turnout, the party made it standing room only.

The talent was extraordinary, and truly all ages…

and all genres…

Rounded off with original music from across Canada, and the night was a unique and inspiring experience. Thanks to all who participated, and to Boyd for being an awesome host as usual. We look forward to seeing everyone back again on Sunday January 31st 2010!!

Open Mike at the Wilder Snail – update

Well the summer was slow at the Open Mike, but September saw a fun and varied turnout including talent from LA, Ireland AND:

a didgeridoo player!! What fun to jam with one of those in the house…. October was just as rewarding with more musicians from abroad,

spoken word, and

local songwriters to round out the beautiful and lively evening. THANK YOU ALL for a wonderful experience, and we hope you join us for 2009′s LAST OPEN MIKE AT THE WILDER SNAIL on DECEMBER 6th, 2009. Note the date has changed from the last Sunday because in November and December it just made sense to combine it into one HUGE SENDOUT! So bring all your friends, families, dusty old instruments (or shiny new ones), poetry books, whatever you can muster. Let’s celebrate the arts and our beloved neighbourhood one more time this year

Summer at the Snail

Well, the heat wave of ’09 did not send music lovers in droves to the Wilder Snail for the Open Mike. Unfazed, Boyd & YJ continue to host the event, secure in the knowledge that come wintertime, nothing will beat a cup of hot cocoa and local music.

When we say “Open” Mike, we mean it.

Our eternal gratitude for those who did make it.

The next Open Mike is on Sunday, August 30th at the Wilder Snail 799 Keefer St. Bring your friends and family – the Strathcona Open Mike music scene could use a boost right about now… and it’s fun for all ages!

Summer at the Snail on Sunday

May 31st was a hot summer Sunday. A “modest” crowd resisted the temptation of beach BBQs or air conditioned movie theatres to join us for our 3rd Open Mike @ the Snail!

We had great musicians as usual, and of course the kids had the most fun…

We hope everyone will join us next month on June 28th, rain or shine!!

Music Survives Flood

Well thanks to everyone who came out to the 2nd monthly Open Mike @ the Snail. Despite the venue being flooded and unusable, our backup location (McLean Park) ended up providing a beautiful backdrop to some really great music.

A big hand of applause to all who brought their instruments,

or their little hands to play…

We know the kids had a good time,

so bring the whole family to the next Open Mike @ the Snail on Sunday, May 31st. P.S. thank you Boyd for your continued support. Despite having a catastrophe in his store to deal with, he setup some chairs for us and came out to enjoy the music. Here’s to a happy ending!

Open Mike @ The Wilder Snail

Thank You Everyone who came out to our first ever Open Mike at The Wilder Snail!

The kid’s rhythm section was especially enjoyable.

We had great music by talented artists…

and we’re hoping for more of the same next time, so come join us on Sunday April 26th for the next Open Mike at The Wilder Snail!