Looking back, I have to have been to an open mic night before. I don’t see how I could have made it this far in life without attending just one, but have I ever chronicled one? I think not! The concept of a musical subject untrodden by “The Breakdown” filled me with the passion to write you all up a little something-something.

Cornell

Last night, I rolled over to The Blind Pig for their weekly open mic. It goes from 8 p.m. until midnight, and this week around seven or so different people got up to share some of their favorite tunes as well as a few originals. I really enjoy watching people share their own musical creations. It is always amazing to see people get up and share a piece of themselves simply for the love of music. They did not get paid to play there, but they are just as happy. As far as covers are concerned, this open mic had a regular cover band beat. The people were not there to see the music. The music was there to entertain the people. They were not required to play “crowd pleasers” like Bon Jovi or “Kryptonite” by 3 Doors Down (which I have learned is apparently a very popular song). No, instead these artists played songs by their own favorite bands like Oasis and Say Anything. It made the music more personal and, in my opinion, more enjoyable.

I happened to run into Justin Haubrich of The Gentlemen, one of Quincy’s finest musical acts, and we chatted about the pleasant environment of an open mic night. Justin pointed out to me that there was a great community vibe happening. I am not sure if all the equipment was one guy’s, but at least the guitar was. The guitar was happily on loan for anyone who wanted to play but did not bring his or her own instrument. I thought that was very generous and trusting. Everyone in the crowd was great as well. Each table might have been having its own conversation, but everyone was sure to clap as soon as a song was over.  It was very laid back and low pressure. Everyone, the crowd and the musicians, were having a good time.

If you ever find yourself wanting to attend or, heck, even play an open mic, I recommend Thursday nights at The Blind Pig. The New Hampshire Bar also hosts an open mic every Tuesday night, but I have not attended this one and cannot vouch for its awesomeness. I imagine you could expect much the same with a little variation in terms of musical selection. Even if you don’t think you would like the harder selection there, I urge you to check it out. Variety is the spice of life.

Patrick Cornell