Squonk wrote:
This is what faces you when you walk in, The nerves starting working overtime
Actually TJs usually use a smaller, friendlier room for open mic nights. On this particular night they took a bigger room because Steve Newman had promised to do a guest spot. I liked that room in some ways, but the one they usually use is more cozy.
It's quite interesting to see that shot and realise that that is what a performer would see as they walked into that room - they'd look right down it to the stage. That doesn't happen in the room usually used.
Squonk, you may have had butterflies (which would be understandable) but you controlled them well once you got up there. I hope you don't leave it too long before trying your hand again.
And yes, Steve Newman was amazing.
I had been asked to run that open mic night. The Sunday before I got a call
Caller: "My friend wants to know if he can play at TJs on Thursday"
Me: "Well sure, it's an open mic night."
Caller: "He wants to know if he can sell some CDs there too."
Me: "Well that's not been a problem in the past. I'll check, but it should be OK."
Caller: "OK... so what time should I tell Steve Newman to be there?"
Lovely guy. Listened to nearly everybody else that played, and offered some of the less illustrious players a word of thanks and encouragement. Even offered the lady who took the money for the CDs a commission on the night's sales.
