Sweet Janine @ Brooklyn Music Kitchen

JESSE EVANS approached me while I waited in line at 7 sharp to sign up for my slot in the night's open mic line-up on Feb 12. He must have overheard me talking to my buddy, James Manzello about the song I initially registered with on their webiste, because Jesse Evans came right up to me and said, "Are you the Sweet Janine guy?" I answered yes enthusiastically, and was pleased and

touched that he complimented the song a few times and said he was looking forward to playing it. He's a genuinely kind guy and a genius guitarist. His solos rocked my whole universe. James's too. We were in awe. I believe the band's offical name is Mysa, but I could be wrong. When I go back, I will get more accurate information. Either way, they nailed it

The line was long, and so was the night. Beyond worth it! Great performances, good, loose, laid-back vibes, and a truly welcoming nature about the place. The house band is exceptional, which kicks off the night after an initial performance from a featured artist.

When you sign up in person, you write your name of course, and then you can check a box for whether or not you are going solo, performing with a track, or playing with the house band. I already did this when I checked in online, initially, and received emails from the band, confirming the in-person sign up time and song details.

When it was finally my time to do my short set, James decided to jump on the drums, which I only just agreed to since the energy alreadys seemed so relaxed. Before I knew it, James had switched out with the dummer and the keyboard player quickly found a piano sound for me to jam out with before he moved aside to give me the limelightt. The bassist stayed where he was, slaying every note, even with the unintentional reharmonization happening in the bridge and maybe some other places.

I requested that we vamp the first eight bars (the intro) four times, and then I sensed it was time to start the verse after only three repeats (for some weird reason), and I don't know if that threw a wrench in things a bit, but the band derailed when it came to bridge. I worked with it, since that's the beauty of an original. You do your best to make everythinn sound good, which, with a band like that, and my seasoned performance chops, we were able to make magic happen.

Last night marks my 3rd open mic this year.

Until next time, I'll catch you out sailing on the OPEN KEYS!

Definitely recommend checking this open mic out if you want live band options, all with a fun vibe and chill flexibility!* You should be willing to wait a while unless you're able to get to the front of the line, which start queueing up a few minutes before 7.

Stoddy.

Btw, if you sign up, no pressure to "use" the band. They appreciate their breaks. The solo sets, either with tracks or the accompaniment of an acoustic instrument, were great little respites from an otherwise high-decibel night.