From Heather Tanksley
Hello, music lovers!
Just wanted to give a quick report to the masses that tonight was visit #2 to the Your Big Picture Cafe open mic and I’m delighted to say that so far it’s 2 for 2 on the “wow, what a great night” scale! Everything that was terrific last week was equally great this week . . . the sound, the service, the atmosphere, the audience, the “harmony”–and by that I am talking universally, not just the musical harmony. The place and the event just “feels good” all over, to the soul and to the heart. At least for me. One thing that seems to stand out as a contributing factor in that respect is that the audience is so receptive to and welcoming of the performers and the performers are so “one” with the audience . . . the aura seems “without undue ego” and full of mutual “conscious acceptance, warmth, and appreciation.” I think this is evidenced by the fact that the audience genuinely desires to listen without having to be “told” to do so . . . no rudeness, if you will. Yes, there is a little conversation here and there, but not interfering in nature. I suppose you’d have to be there to feel what I feel about the place, but I sure hope it doesn’t change…
As for tonight’s Richter Scale comment per moi, I was delighted to witness a family trio comprising two twin 14-year old “boys” (each about 6 feet tall, so “boy” doesn’t seem like the right word) and their 16-year old sister, who go by the group name “The IARs” (like “liars” without the “l”). One of the boys played bass, another played acoustic lead/rhythm guitar, and, Olivia, the self-proclaimed “older sister” who keeps her bros in line, contributed the vocals, with a voice of an angel . . . crisp, clean, full bodied, great articulation, and pure beauty. They did a fantastic job, as their encouraging and proud Papa looked on.
It is really pleasant to see the “young folks” at this venue, most of whom are students in some fashion of the ASM Music School. Seems the school is turning out some top talent!
Although all of the music was very fine, certainly, another act that personally hit the bell for me tonight, was a song sung by a nice, very humble fellow named Eddie Grullon, whose guitar work is very well-honed and who has the voice of an angel (okay, make that a ‘male angel,’ if it matters). . . he did a song that he wrote about brokenhearted love tonight that left me pretty speechless (and that, as you all know, is a feat, figuratively speaking). He also sang “My Way” (as in, I Did It My Way) that was a stellar rendtion. What a awesome velvet voice!
Anyway, that’s my nickel report for one event and my evening of music on the town. I look forward to hearing how the New Year’s Open Mic Party at Luna Star went, along with the Victoria Vox house concert and all the other cool stuff happening in Paradise (this time of year it earns that title!).
Thanks to all the wonderful performers and players who shared the muse at The Your Big Picture Cafe! Hope to see you there again soon!
In harmony with heart,
Heather Tanksley