Published: November 06, 2009 07:24 pm      

Musically Speaking: Open mic night returns to MV

By JACK CLARK

jackclark@mvn.net

Do you ever hear someone complaining that “there isn’t anything to do around here?”

Of course you have.

Maybe it’s just a medical condition, but I seem to cringe EVERY time I hear a question that is even remotely similar to that.

Mt. Vernon is just like every other city of its size — anywhere that you would care to look. We have different events and “things” happening, you may just have to actually look for them.

How about WolfStock? Or the Cedarhurst Craft Fair? Or maybe the Fall Harvest Festival?

And those are just three events that leap to mind as being very recent.

The point is that Mt. Vernon has things to offer even the most modest music fan.

Here is an example.

If you haven’t done so already, do yourself a favor and visit “open mic” night at the Tavern on 10th each Wednesday evening here in the King City.

Over the last few weeks, such area acts as Snake Lane Revue and Moonbeam Lane have been showing up unannounced, much to the delight of the crowd.

And believe me folks, when Snake Lane Revue shows up, they constitute their OWN crowd.

All nine of them.

I recall 25 to 30 years ago, you could have counted a dozen places in Mt. Vernon that hosted “open mic” nights.

Artists trying to make it, as well as those who simply performed for the personal enjoyment of the experience, putting themselves into the spotlight for a short time.

The result was usually an enjoyable evening for everyone involved.

What happened to the open mic?

Probably not a lack of musical talent in our area.

So, what is it, then?

Could it be that in 2009, there are so many more diversions available to take up someone’s time? More than likely.

Still, I find it refreshing that something so retro-1970s is making a comeback.

I hope that each of you had an enjoyable Hallo-ween weekend. No Druid sacrifices, right?

Be careful out there.

The Illinois State Police are counting on it.

n Jack Clark is the host of Musically Speaking, a local radio program heard Sunday evenings at 6 p.m. on 102.1 WIBV.