First Tee Open Mic 1/13/2011

So last Thursday night....freezing outside....drizzling rain...just nasty ass weather, and still better than a couple of dozen people cruised into the the First Tee for Open Mic. We had fifteen musicians and eight guests (not to mention the regular First Tee steak night crowd) come in to enjoy the music and camaraderie of open mic.  It's a lot like a big family, except you can walk out and leave 'em standing at the bar if you want.  SWEET!

We had a lot of our favorite regulars along with some first timers at The First Tee and a couple of first timers for Ramblin' Mic.

The evening started off with Jason Hykle

 

Don & Jacob made their first appearance at the First Tee

and managed to get people up on the dance floor!

You may think this odd for "open mic", but not here at the First Tee

Brandon Jantzen followed.  With help from his special toys

he layed down some very cool grooves.

John Ward took the stage next....no picture....sorry.

Then for the first time on a Ramblin' Mic stage

Thaddeus Brenamen

Thaddeus invited the Reverend Johnny to join him for a couple

And then The Reverend did a couple more on his own.

Brandon Smith joined us on this cold night

and brought his friend Scott Oder up to help him out.

Scott stuck around and did a few on his own as well.

It was Amy Waters turn next,

and Bruce Ross followed her

Doug Michaels is no stranger to the First Tee Stage, but

he was joined by Michael ? who was here for the first time.

It was right about this time that things got a little fuzzy and I quit taking pictures.

(Why does this always happen shortly after Doug shows up?  Couldn't possibly be the drinks he buys me.)

Suffice it to say, Micheal stayed on stage for a couple and then 

Hunter Nelson joined him.  Hunter has been on Ramblin Mic's stage before,

but this was his first time at The Tee.  Hope he makes it a regular thing.

My old friend James Mendiola came sliding in the door just before I closed it down.

It's been quite a while since I've seen James, so we kept it rolling into overtime to let him play.

Many thanks to everyone for supporting my open mics and live local music.  There are many fine open mic venues all over Houston.  If you like live music, I encourage you to get out and explore a little.  When you hear something you like make sure you show your appreciation.  

Hope to see you out and about this week.