When It's Pete's

I attended the Pete's Candy Store open mic on Sunday, Feb. 15th. Right off the bat -- lemme tell ya -- I wasn't pleased to see that the sign-up sheet was already teeming with names, leaving me with the 20th spot, at a quarter to 4. On their website, they specifically stated 4pm sign-up (maybe I’m missing something?) but I’ll have to go back another time, even earlier to get a lay of the land. Nevertheless, I WAS pleased by how many people were eager to play!

Rolling with the punches…that’s the deal with open mics, isn't it?? "Humbling" is the first word I kept telling myself to push through.

I bought an IPA (even though I'm trying to shy away from alcohol at these events since I know it's also very much a part of the scene, and I don't wanna get carried away.)

But I had myself a lovely Bell's Two-Hearted Ale. One of my faves. I was under the impression everyone would be doing 1 or 2 songs each for the night (the exact amount would be revealed by show). In other words, Bruce Martin, the host, would call the shots.

One of the performers (sorry, I forgot your name if you're reading!) politely let me know, after sharing the shock with me that there had already been so many sign-ups (but in a chill way, by his calm demeanor) that I'd likely be on by 6:30pm. Granted, it was only a little after 4 by the time he attempted to console me (even though I didn't know what I did to ask for the consoling). It's usually the fact that I wear all of my emotions in my eyebrows, and probably to my sudden passionate reactions, like, "Oh my god, there's already 19 sign-ups?!"

But he seemed to already know the one-song rule had been put into effect, seeing how many people were on the docket.

I decided right then and there that not only would I stay for my set, but I would stay for everyone's set. Long night, well worth the experience. And overall purpose and service — giving back / paying it forward — has always been an important conquest for me.

So I sat down at a table and drank my beer, biding my time, keyboard in tow. Before long, my soon-to-be friend, a 22-year-old gentleman, started heading straight to me from across the bar; but he wasn't the first to break me from my first spell of "oh shit, I'm gonna be here for a while" befuddlement I was initially dealing with (ok — I felt pride, too, in myself, for getting out there again). I still wished I were inside, watching the pretty snowflakes fall from the warmth of my home.

After a few interactions with people, the night sounded way more fun suddenly, and I shed most of my initial nerves and really, avoidance of being there.

Before the interaction with Eric -- a young man, fresh out of his college days, confidently approaching me with an immediately friendly hand -- a nice couple popped the bubble of my meditative stupor I had been in, simultaneously taking in all my surroundings and gladly zoning out, asking if they could also use the table I was sitting at (at least I think they were a couple). The table is that kind that would comfortably fit about 4 people. And I said of course! and we got to chatting. They were waiting for someone to join them, and after some congeniel conversation, including me letting them take over the table situation all together once the other person arrived, I wished them a great night and they wished me the same, congratulating me on "getting out there". It felt nice and silly at the same time, since I've been at this for years and years, but that's part of the challenge. That's precisely why getting out there is harder now. Been cause it’s been a while and I have high expectations for myself. Plus, it’s always like the first time with open mics…because the world is in constant flux.

I was easily one of the oldest people in the room of 20--somethings, aside from Bruce, a man of clear experience, not to mention irreverent charm, having now run the open mic for over 11 years. Impressive! But what's age when it comes to music? Meaningless. Of course, when musicians are alive matters, and the history around those facts. But I mean that music is timeless.

Certaintly some songs more than others! Haha.

The night was jam-packed with so much spirt, vulnerability, and...well, guitarists. Especially packed sardine-style when we were in the main show space, not the more open bar area.

I was the only keys player. Except for Eric, my pal I'll talk about now.

He came up to me with all the innocent abandon and playful confidence only a young person in this world can do, surprising me with his keen attention to manners from the get-go: "Hi there sir, I was wondering -- and lemme start with the fact that I didn't bother to bring my own heavy brick of a keyboard from home at the mercy of my back -- if I could possibly trouble you for the opportunity of using your keyboard for my set tonight, as I seem to understand you're going on as well tonight?"

I immediately shot back a "yeah! no problem", at him like a happy little round of word-pong, and he lit up immediately, as if my ‘yes’ literally sparked his eyes fully awake. "Here, lemme buy you a drink. What would you like? I really appreciate such a gesture and would-" I interrupted him to say that it was quite alright — that he didn't have to buy me a drink.

He persisted: "Sir, dude, I understand you likely don't want to be compromised too much tonight by silly libations, and I surely understand declining, but I do greatly appreciate your kindness and would be happy to get you anyth-"

I shifted directions all of the sudden much like a gust of throw-caution-to-the-wind decisiveness and said, "Hey what the hell, I'll take a drink, yes, ok, please that would be great, and I thank you kindly in return, good sir!"

He was happy to oblige. Trouble is, at this point, I had already had a drink. So I was already at two before the show started. I like to stick with one drink before a show (again, I “prefer” no alcohol if I can help it).

The night went on for a long time, which led me to purchase a few more while I thoroughly enjoyed other performances, which consisted of some vocal groups, a couple lovely a cappella sets (one was especially melodically moving for me, and another, lyrically inspiring), and several enriching harmonic moments as well, that reminded me of Simon and Garfunkel. The Bob Dylan vibes were strong last night too. The line-up was predominantly folksy, with some excellent acoustic R&B, rock, and raw, heartfelt, workshopped-pop sprinkled in.

WHEN IT'S YOU @ PETE'S

Please enjoy this snippet of my performance last night,

filmed by none other than the very polite, Eric Timlin!

I was more than happy to lend you my keys for your performance. Cheers!

The quarters are tight, being in a modernized train car, decked out with mood-setting lights (groovy mood, always), which is also one of the major reasons I love the place. The cozy atmosphere, though sometimes frustrating in its tendency to be cramped, really lends itself to a laid-back Brooklyn Indie vibe, surrounding patrons with real, intimate, surround sounds, while glossy with that classy sheen that lured me in from moment one.

Wow, I just realized "moment one" was further back than I remembered. The first time I played at Pete's was in a band called, "Gina's Picture Show" in 2010 (I think). Wow! Best to you Gina Cimmeli! It’s been a very hot minute. Thank you for introducing me to this real gem of a venue.

When it was finally time for my set, I was a bit inebriated. But I feel like I did a good job. Other than forgetting some of my own lyrics. But listening back, I still delivered, and was taken by / inspired by all the music that had transpired. And I had a good time. That, and I had a trustee cameraman, due to the karma of lending my equipment. Thanks Eric!

Stoddy.