As a BIPOC versatile modern artist that mostly works with modern hip-hop inspired sounds, I've…read moresearched everywhere for an open mic environment that welcomes all kinds of genres and doesn't simply cater to just acoustic & rock artists/audiences. I came here and performed three times, only to realize that the crowd including the owners/hosts were 90% just that, and I was the only musician there that actually cared for, or actually performed anything close to modern hip-hop music....
The environment as a whole wasn't extremely unfriendly, but I did kind of get chewed out by one of the hosts/bartenders who plays the drums for certain performances, for bringing in outside food, because he felt it was "disrespectful to their business/establishment," and I was told to step out and finish it, then come back.
(I'm so sorry for wanting to eat something that wasn't included in your limited/bland options of food on your menu, while I idle and wait for the sign on list to come out. ) Mind you I've ordered food from here on my first time visiting, and it was not that impressive, or appetizing enough to make me want to order it again....
Despite that, I meant no offense by bringing in a small burger from a spot almost right beside the club, and didn't expect them to get so offended by it.... I get that you guys are trying to keep the lights on, but maybe add more items to your menu, and hire more/better cooks if you want more people to buy your food. Probably not the best idea to attempt to coerce what would be future customers....
You are running a cafe for crying out loud, remember that you need to put your ego to the side most of the time, and care for/cater to your consumers/clientele and what they want, if you want to succeed, and stay afloat....
That aside, the open mic experience as a whole was fairly decent. They let anyone perform, and it was a very talented crowd. Some of the staff admittedly even had some musical chops. Unfortunately I did not like the female host very much.
She struck me as kind of stand-offish and arrogant, she had control of the stage lights, and tweaked with them, and made them change colors for a dramatic effect for performers she enjoyed, but she didn't do that little "light show" for me during my time on stage, I guess that explains that situation.....
Regardless, I had no serious issue with her until I over heard her speaking with a group of people beside me in an ill manner about modern hip hop music, and referring to it as "mumble rap", claiming "it has no potential to maintain relevancy."
That kind of annoyed me because girl, do you even know, or clearly understand what you're talking about? I can't fathom how an open mic host wouldn't appreciate nor respect all kinds of music, no matter how it is performed, or written....
Music is a vibration, it's not just words.... And all of it doesn't simply have to remain stuck in the method/tune of "hey there Delilah," or "my achey breaky heart," forever, to be "good" or "have potential to maintain relevancy..." the music industry/market is expanding, and progressing beyond that sound, and it appears that this place doesn't appreciate that, nor want to support artists who work in those kinds of genres/sub-genres.
Again, besides the open mic having a fair arrangement, and audience, the vibe I get from the organizers/bar tenders & staff is very arrogant, and standoff-ish.... Especially from their drummer guy. Very rude, and weird guy..... I don't think I plan on returning.....