My need for musical validatation must be reaching Code Orange because I found myself heading out to Open Mike last night. Returning to these events is a bit like second marriages - the triumph of Hope over Experience.I had heard of The Natick Center for The Arts but had never been there. I was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful theater, big stage, and professional lighting. Future surprises would be less pleasant.
It's as if these organizers look for new ways to insult musicians while talking up their supportive environment. After paying the obligatory sawbuck I find out that this a one-song open mike. Say what? So my drive time each way will actually exceed my opportunity to entertain? Another galling thing: Though there is a staff of three, do you think anyone gets up to offer help in adjusting mikes or getting set up. Meanwhile the clueless sound guy obsesses over miking a 6 foot grand piano that clearly needs no amplification. And finally - no coffee or refreshment of any kind.
But there's another side: the performers. Not bad. Very bad! God inflicts 2 curses upon those who cannot sing.
No 1: No vocal talent
No 2: The inability to recognize No 1
So maybe one can forgive the event handlers if this is what they must endure each week.
It would have been OK if Terry had been there. It really helps to be able to give the tell-me-it's-not-just-me look. Alas, my only consolation was the rhythmic pattern of loose guitar case latches in time to my shaking head as I shuffled back to the car.
