And the beat goes on at The Goldhawk
Creative folks of all types were thrilled to learn that the Tuesday open mic at The Goldhawk (936 Park Ave, Hoboken) would carry on after the recent departure of ArtKore.org. Long-time host Dave Entwistle is still on board as is the continued full support of The Goldhawk. Tonight was the first night after taking some time off for the holidays. Dave announced a few changes to the format, including the name which is now The People’s Open Mic.
Hey Lenin! Where’s McCartney?! PhotoShop fun by yours truly, Stephen Bailey
Another change is meant as a way to inspire performers to sign up for that ever so tough to fill first slot by offering them an extra song. Another is the addition of live recordings of the performances. A selection of these recordings will then be complied onto CDs and distributed to college radio. I really like this plan. Hoboken is now and has always been a Mecca of talent. This branch of the open mic will help the rest of the world see just that.
There was a higher than usual number of newbies here tonight. I think this is because many regulars were unsure of the open mic’s future after the exit of ArtKore. It had been two weeks since the last open mic and, despite the years of success behind the actual concept, this new one was now pretty much starting from scratch. Still the talent level was remarkably high. Not a bum in the bunch.
The featured act was the always fun Celtic-skiffle-rock-ukulele-fandango that is Lloyd United. Their two sets of music defined their attitude in tunes like ‘Kick Your Melancholy in the Balls’ and a cover of The Bay City Rollers tune ‘Saturday Night’. In between and after came a parade of talent including clueLess who were the lucky recipient of the ‘extra song’.
Other highlights included some tasty guitar work from a guy named Styles B. There were tortured songs by a girl named Erin. Then came my friend Lauren with her mandolin debuting a wonderful new song. After which Dave commented, “I think I’m high now.” There was Ross Sandler who needed to borrow a pick and guitar. I joked, “Geez Ross, good thing you remembered to wear your pants.” He then thanked me for loaning him the belt to hold them up.
The biggest surprise also held the biggest mystery and came courtesy of Ross’s friend Heather. She sat down and took out a concertina. Not an instrument you’d immediately expect at an open mic, so I was happy. Then she announced, “I’m not a musician of any kind.” I thought how odd that was. After all, most ‘non-musicians’ choose the guitar or piano. No one would expect someone choosing a squeezebox to explore an unknown talent.
Her song of choice was Special Ed’s ‘I Got It Made’. The idea came to her after noticing that her worries of late were based on things she didn’t have and this is of course not healthy. Off she went and gone was the thought that this inventive hip hop meets sea shanty trip was somehow coming from a non-musician. Sorry Heather, you were just too good and I’m not buying your story.
Then again, if she is really not a musician, then I’m even more envious of her abilities. The rest of the crowd was equally moved as they clapped along or banged on various percussive surfaces. Our host Dave joined in with some of his signature beat-box and Ross was dancing like a marionette on stage behind Heather. The energy level was invigorating to say the least.
And this was a perfect way to end a very successful debut of The People’s Open Mic. Thanks to The Goldhawk and everyone involved for continuing to support local talent. This point in the history of the Hoboken scene is a crucial one. The town is showing more support of the arts than ever right now yet the future could still go in any number of directions. Good or bad.
Judging by tonight’s outcome, The People’s Open Mic is set to take the reigns left by ArtKore and keep the positive momentum going. With the addition of certain new features, they are also set to push this even further than we’ve ever imagined. The new name of this night is appropriate too. While the faith and commitment of the leadership is an important tool of inspiration, it is ultimately up to the community members to assure its success.
Ah … the old-world communists would be proud of us. Rock On!!
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The Goldhawk
