Grace here- I went to the Blake’s Open Mic last night on Telegraph. Many don’t realize that the open mic as we know it will be gone forever in a matter of weeks. Our multi-instrumentalist Joe now hosts the open mic, co-managed by our dear friend Jacob Wolkenhauer. It is one of the few East Bay open mics that fosters gutsy, original songwriting. It has the all-important rule of no disclaimers. It’s 18 and up, which is impressive for an open mic with a PA. Steve Laciak jumped on stage to accompany a newcomer last night. He does that all the time- he will accompany us at Anna’s on August 1st along with Winston Moody, Ian Hisert and Vanessa Van Spall. Anyway, FM Recorders helped to keep the Blake’s open mic alive and now management see other things happening. The open mic will be moved to upstairs, which will be very different. I have yet to really feel out what that will be like. It makes me greatful that WCS has the Freight and Salvage, a commanding space that demands one’s attention. Blake’s however, shines in that one must earn the audience’s attention. One will certainly be loud enough, but one has to catch people’s eyes over the bar crowd and the pinball machines. I will miss the way it was. And I thank Joe and Jacob for keeping it going in whatever form it takes. It reminds me of when I had to let go the open mic I started at Coffee to the People in SF. I remember that I couldn’t keep from crying. Many had never performed in their lives until they played there. Anyway, see you in Orinda on Friday!

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