ADVENTURES OF AN OPEN-MIKER: Picasso Bar in Media

Last night, I decided to check out the open mic scene in Media, at a classy local bar called Picasso.

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ADVENTURES OF AN OPEN-MIKER: Picasso Bar in Media

POSTED: Friday, April 22, 2011, 2:00 PM

Filed Under: Adventures of an Open-Miker

Every week, singer/songwriter Matt Cantor gives you the skinny on a local open-mic night so you'll know which stages to call home.

Last night, I decided to check out the open mic scene in Media, at a classy local bar called Picasso. A stage had just been installed at the back of the bar, in an adjoining room, which provided a cozy nook for the open mike. A giant Picasso painting dominated one wall, while others were neatly hung with squares of various patterns. I’m told that the number of attendees varies hugely from week to week; this time, a sizable crowd trickled in by around 11 p.m., drinking cocktails and beers.

The feel was very relaxed, as host Kendric Conn opened with a few songs, then kept track of performers largely in his head rather than on a sign-up sheet. The comfortable vibe led to a lot of banter both onstage and off; it was easy to get to know the very friendly regulars. They formed a crowd: the Picasso open mic has clearly developed a loyal following. Meanwhile, Conn was generous with his equipment, allowing other performers to play his shiny Martin guitar and even use his vocal pedals, the likes of which I’d never seen before: One doubled the sound of your voice, while the other actually created harmonies so that it sounded as if others were singing along, right on key. It did this, Conn said, by analyzing the chords you were playing and using them to build the harmonies. The PA system was crisp, and there was an onstage monitor—always infinitely helpful.

I was impressed by the consistency of the talent. Conn played folk tunes like “I’ll Fly Away” and “The Times They Are A-Changin’” with a rough-edged, emotive voice and a clean and well-defined strum. Later came Dan Howard, who ripped through some string-bending blues as well as lyric-packed John Prine and Paul Simon songs. Grimbridge, a guitar, bass, and percussion trio, filled much of the evening with a mix of originals and covers. Their aggressive and intriguing minor-key structures stood out from the usual open-mike fare.

This warm and relaxed open mic provides a great atmosphere for new open-mikers and old hands alike—and you get plenty of stage time. Definitely worth a visit.

The nitty-gritty for performers: Thursdays, 10 p.m., Picasso Restaurant and Bar, 36 W. State St., Media, free, 610-891-9600, Picasso-bar.com. 4-5 songs each.

Posted by Matt Cantor @ 2:00 PM Permalink | 3 comments

Comments (3)

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 10:04 PM, 04/23/2011

Correction: Open mic is on "Thursdays"

— lbarnieu

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 10:22 PM, 04/23/2011

Oops, Loic beat me to it. Anyway, thanks Matt! You sounded great- come back and join us again sometime.

— Dan Howard

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 2:25 PM, 04/25/2011

Hey Matt, it'd be great if you could make it out to Burlap and Bean's open mic some Thursday evening. Signups at 630, show at 7. Always packed! always a great time. Hope to see you out sometime soon!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Burlap-and-Bean-Thursday-Night-Open-Mic/192995011591?sk=info

— Kyle Swartzwelder

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