So there I was walking through the back door of the local bar, mentally prepared to play my first solo set at open mic night. I’ve played there before, maybe five or six times, but usually with a friend who plays great lead guitar and/or sings. Let me also mention that my past open mic experiences have been pretty mellow, perhaps there have been three or four tables of people watching. Not tonight, however. As I walked in through that back entrance I was next to the stage where a full, clearly seasoned band was playing to a packed house. These guys have a Facebook page and everything…can you say legit? There wasn’t a clear spot in front of the stage. I froze. Then turned around with plans of walking right back out the door. The only trouble with that plan was that I had my guitar case on my back which invited a few people to beckon me in. I made my way to the sign-up book, hoping that the night was full, but there was about an hour wait to an open slot. I figured maybe it would mellow out a bit in an hour’s time so I put my name down. Well it gave me time to let the Mr.’s Gin & Tonic do their work and to meet/chat with Harmonica Rich, a guy who plays nearly every week alongside various acts at open mic. He told me about his background; Navy man from New Jersey who moved to MN and became a dairy farmer for a while before he retired. Nice guy. He agreed to come up and play a little improv with me. My time rolled around soon enough and the crowd did thin out a bit. I played my set of five songs with Rich adding in a few solemn riffs on the harmonica every now and then. It was fun. I got some compliments and applause. I’m glad I stuck it out…
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