Molten's new digs, and events

One notable thing that happened in January was the opening of Molten Java in its new location at 213 Greenwood Ave, in Bethel, CT. A lot of elbow grease went into this opening and it shows: everything is gorgeous.  This is a day shot of the front room.

There appears to be renewed interest in evening activities too. This was my vantage point for viewing last night's Open Mic - from the stairs you can see the whole room. Below, there was not a chair to be had with a view of the performers. It's a packed house these days. go early if you want a seat.

Nicholas Wells and his group played, Sal Saldagdo, Justin Virga, the host (whose name escapes me), young folks named Megan, Holly, etc. A few read poems.  Neal and Richard the old picker were there too. The list was long. I got a bit clastrophobic a little after nine and Henry Cort and I went home without playing. It was just as crowded the week before also. Maybe third is the charm.

There is a gallery upstairs and tonight from 6-8pm is an art show reception for Katie Bassett and Thomas Nackid whose work is up there right now.

At 8 Seth Lefferts plays. Might have to check that out since the Pears are not on....  Some events are sometimes listed here

Open mics - two fabulous acoustic venues

1) Michel Rae Driscoll, a wonderful warm, country singer-songwriter, runs a Thursday open mic at the Hideaway Cafe in Newtown. There were quite a few folks I knew there. Every one was very supportive. On July 14, I only played one song. It went over way better than I had expected.

2) Chris Elliot, an accomplished singer-songwriter and guitarist with a great voice, runs Tuesday Night Open Mic, a great open mic at 59 Bank Street, in New Milford. I had more callouss by this time (July 19) so I played two songs.  Everyone was so supportive. I always do better than I think I am going to. (I found out later I won the open mic gift certificate. a nice surprise)

Every time I stop playing for a while it feels like I have forgotten everything. I didn't even have callouses when I started up again in the beginning of the month. Though I feel I have forgotten, I haven't. And though I seem to dread the act of performing now, once I start, I just enjoy it so much, and I get such great comments.

In the old days, my forte as a singer-songwriter had been putting emotion and eccentric personality in the music. I used to be very  comfortable and confident. I knew I had meaningful tales to share and people seemed to really get something out of it.

But in classical singing, technique is king.  You are conforming to an ideal of interpretation in a long line of those that came before you and you are always being judged against this ideal.

Anyway I ended up with 15 years of singer-songwriting confidence drained out of me, by my decade in classical just by being out there and working professionally in a highly politicized arena where all participants and much of the audience is constantly judging, holding to some mythical perfection. Acoustic/Folk Open mics are different. You offer a song, sing it with heart and it is appreciated for what it is, no matter how old or odd you are.

I've gone back to my first performance art, and I'm loving it.

In From The Cold at the Bowery Poetry Club 1/1/2004

New Year's Day at the Bowery Poetry Club
-- an old post moved from the Metaphoratorium

With hundreds of involved and expectant listeners, a backdrop of floor to ceiling artwork draped over raw brick walls, and a crop of wild-eye poets reving with no holds bared - The 10th Anuual New Year's Day Alternative Poetry/Performance Extravaganza held this year at the Bowery Poetry Club, was a marvel! Called "In From The Cold" it featured hunderds of poets.Each reader had three minutes before some flag waving and electronic noise kicked in to limit the selections to the alloted time. Readings began at 2:30PM and ran until midnite. Many thanks to Bob Holden of the Bowery Cafe for this wonderful event. It was video taped and there was a book table at the back.

The Ct delgation included Dasha Walters (above, photo by the Sampsons), Robin Sampson, Eli Cleary, Sandra Ebner, John Jeffrey, John Basinger, Faith and Peter Vicinanza, Alice-Ann Harwood, me (Mistryel aka Mar Walker) and possibly some I have missed. For an additional account of the event go to: http://www.poetrycentral.com/cold.html

In addition let me make a plug for the Bowery Cafe. What a fabulous place. Walking in, I felt at home immediately. The people were eclectic and interesting and welcoming. There is a coffee/food bar and a lliquorbar so all manor of persons can get their chosen libations without difficulty. (The coffee bartender read a very gripping poem mediating peace between the Jewish and Muslim traditions.) Try this open mike. It's worth the commute. http://www.bowerypoetry.com/