Open Mics
Mood:  caffeinated
   There used to be only one or two places for local amateur
musicians and poets to stand up and show off the fruits of
their work to others. That is no longer the case, with several
establishments beginning to open their rooms for a different kind
of entertainment.
   A person with a microphone, amplifier and a couple of speakers,
can set them up in a coffee house or bar and let loose all kinds of varied
and unusual happenings that can by turns be inspirational, funny, or downright
startling.
   One of the first in the area to do this was Tim Bucci, from York. For many
years he has pulled into local bars and unloaded his van full of efficient
and ever better sounding guitars and amps to host these gatherings.
    Keeping track of who goes on and when, adjusting the sound, easing
hams off the stage, and urging, (sometimes tricking) shy ones to get up
and perform are just a few of the details Tim has perfected over the
years. His sunday night open mics at the Statesmen in Geneseo are a staple
among many of the area hosts and players.
   Monday Nights in Swain with Steve West, thursday nights at the Electric
Bar in Dansville, the Mt. Morris' Plaza Cafe' on fridays, and Kellys on tuesday
nights in Geneseo with Bobby Mac are just a few of these weekly happenings.
They usually include original and cover songs done with a guitar or piano, solo
or with multiple people (often spontaniously) joining in. Poetry readings, jokes and many renditions of "happy birthday" have been known to occur as well.
   As most of these events are not advertised, finding one can be useful in
tracking down the others via word of mouth.
   Both owners and audiences seem to love these happenings, and certainly the performers do too.