Dennis Mikulich Mesa Legend

Igor’s Jazz Cowboys playing at the Xtreme Bean Coffee House.

While pop, rock, and rap music dominate the radio waves, it is folk music, acoustic guitar, and free-flowing poetry that rule the coffee houses. There are hundreds of coffee houses in the valley, representing large chains, as well as independently owned locations. Many of these independent locations feature in-house music, open-mic nights, or both. Both the in-house music and the music performed at open-mic tends to favor a somewhat mellow, acoustic style, such as jazz or blues, as opposed to the “harder” music featured in bars and clubs.
The Essenza Coffee House, located near MCC at 1350 S. Longmore, offers an open mic night every Tuesday. Frank Mackey was the coordinator for Essenza’s open-mic night through Sept. 30. According to Mackey, the quality varies at open mic nights. “It’s simply the best way for new musicians to get their feet wet,” Mackey said.
In a typical open-mic night, such as Essenza’s, two to three hours are devoted, and the coordinator will allow people to sign up for performance time. This is usually either two to three songs or 10 to 15 minutes.
Tom Smith, a University of Arizona graduate made his open-mic debut at Essenza Sept. 30. Smith enjoyed the experience and said, “I was so relieved they didn’t throw tomatoes. Seriously, the stuff I play is a little harder then what open-mic fans are used to. But, if you have a yearning to perform, go for it. Don’t be a chicken; get out and do it. Here’s your chance.”
For most open-mic performers, like Smith, performing at an open-mic night is mostly for fun. It provides performance experience that beginning musicians may have never had before, and allows them to get over their fear of crowds. Open-mic crowds tend to be very receptive and forgiving. Almost everyone will receive applause, providing a relatively stress-free atmosphere. It is not, however, a guaranteed means to advance a music career.
Jennifer Spector is a veteran of the open-mic scene who has recorded several CDs. Spector recently performed at the Xtreme Bean Coffee House, playing her song, “Rock Star,” in which she sings about some of the misconceptions that beginning musicians may have. It is a lighthearted poke at people’s belief that they’ll be discovered by a music producer and be handed a million-dollar contract.
“It’s a struggle,” Spector said. “It’s hard with original music to be discovered. Open-mic nights aren’t about that. They help you get over your stage fright, develop stage presence, and expand your audience. You’ll meet the regulars, and make some good friends.” While not necessarily a gateway to money and fame, becoming a part of the open-mic scene can provide benefits that money can’t buy, such as friends, fans, and good times.
Igor Glenn, of “Igor’s Jazz Cowboy’s,” has a slightly different take, emphasizing the need for uniqueness. “You really have to find a niche. My band has a distinctive niche, ‘western swing.’ People listen to music based on genre, so we created a new genre. We combine old cowboy songs with jazz, and incorporate eclectic skits. There are so many ‘singer/songwriters,’ it’s easy to get lost in the masses. You’ve got to find a way to be unique, in order to stand out,” he said.
Glenn also warned of one of the perils of performing in coffee houses, of which he feels aspiring performers should be warned. “I hate blenders. They’re so darn loud, and they drown out my music. They need a soundproof room for those things.”
A list of many of the Valley’s coffee houses offering open-mic nights, as well as their schedule, is available at www.azopenmic.com.