Ashford Arms Open Mic 7/17/2010

Ashford Arms Irish Pub hosts a great open mic every Thursday.  This open mic is growing in popularity each week, and this week had two newcomers that found us via www.openmichouston.com.  It's always great to see new folks showing up at open mics.

This week Marian Ritter returned to Ashford for her second time on our stage.

Van Buchanan was out and about and it's always a real pleasure when he can find the time to stop in and play some music for us.

 

David Myers has become a good friend of Ashford's Open Mic and we are sure glad to have him sitting in.

Captian Rick made his way up from Kemah to play for us.  Not only did he bring us a nice selection of songs, he brought his friend Ken (who also lives on a boat) to join him on the Jews Harp.

Brandon Jantzen was in the house. 

As was Holly Reich.  

And let me just take a minute to give a special thank you to both Holly and Marian.  Open Mics are so dominated by men that it is always a real pleasure to have some women come out and join us.  Thank you!

Josh Wager followed Holly on the stage.  Josh is really starting to build a reputation for himself.  He will be featured at JP Hops House Hard Times Soup and Music Kitchen Wednesday July 28th.  You can catch a full Josh Wager show there for FREE and eat some great home made soups for FREE and enjoy an excellent selection of beer. Check this link for more info JP Hops House

Anthony was a new comer this week and brought some fine vocals and guitars skills to the stage.

Zane was next up and gave us some originals as well as some fun Johnny Cash covers.

Pedro G. has found his way back to the Ashford and it's good to see him back.

Donnie Sands was another new comer.  Donnie has a great voice and guitar skills and played some nice originals as well as covers.

Last on the list this week was Vincent DeCarlo.  This was Vincents second time at the Ashford and he brings a lot of good talent to the stage.  

Many thanks to all of the players and music fans that come out each week and support live music.

Ashford Arms Open Mic 7/1/2010

My my my!  The Ashford Arms Open Mic is growing every week.  We've always had an excellent selection of musicians and fans at the Ashford, but every week we bring in a couple of newcomers....and their fans.  It's really great to see more and more people turning on to the Houston Open Mic Scene.

Speaking of newcomers, and because I haven't posted in a few weeks I'd like to say thank you to these new players that have come out recently.

Scrambled Yeggs opened the show a few weeks back. 

I ran into David Myers at a GoGirls Open Mic event and invited him to join us at Ashford. That, he did.

Vincent DeCarlo heard about Ashford Arms from Drummer Dave.

Ronnie found us on the internet.  (The internet is our friend.)

And that brings us to last Thursday when we had yet another new player out. Marian Ritter opened the show with some fine guitar playing and singing.  

Steve Orta joined us after a long absence.  

Zane Nordin then took the stage and got a little help from Keith Craik on the mighty blue fiddle.

Doug Michaels was also back at the Ashford after quite and absence.  It's always good to hear Doug.

David Myers has become a regular player at the Ashford and we are glad to have him.

Brandon Jantzen followed David.  Brandon has become a great friend of the Ashford Open Mic with his unique styling.

Ronnie has also been making regular trips to the Ashford and Churchill's since first arriving on the scene.  His heartfelt style of music is excellent.

Amy Waters was there.  Yes she was.  I keep wanting to call Amy a new comer, but she's not really anymore.  I'm am just amazed that she hit the stage so soon after learning to play and she is making huge improvements every week.

Pedro G. is yet another that has been absent from the Ashford roster lately.  We're glad he decided you come back out.  

And of course "Drummer Dave" Dempsey was there to keep everyone on time.  Dave does a great job  and is a very gracious and attentive drummer.  Thanks Dave!

And thanks to everyone for keeping open mics alive and well in Houston. 

Ashford Arms Open Mic 5/27/2010

Leading up to a holiday weekend at an Open Mic is always a little perplexing.  You never know what kind of attendance you are going to have.  Memorial Day weekend is typically a little slow because many of our Open Mic players are away at the Kerrville Folk Festival. This year proved that out again.  Slow nights are welcome though at the Ashford Arms.  We only had a handful of musicians in the house but we all had a good time and got a lot of chances to play.

The evening started off with Brandon Jantzen.

Josh Wager took the stage next.

Chris Greene was back this week.  It's always good to see him on the Ashford stage.












Patty and Sam (no picture) joined in the fun and sang one A Capella number.  Patty and Sam are old friends of Drummer Dave's and we thank him for bringing them to the Ashford Arms for the first time.

Buddy and Sherri Allen showed up to play for us.  We don't see them often enough and it's always a pleasure to have them on the Ramblin' Mic Stage.

A night at the Ashford Arms Open Mic would hardly be complete without the fine fiddle work by Keith Craik and Drummer Dave Dempsey keeping time on djembe.

Many thanks to all of the musicains and music fans that keep live music alive through their support of Open Mics.

For more information about Ashford Arms Open Mic click HERE.  

Ashford Arms Acoustic Music Open Mic

The Ashford Arms Irish Pub is a family owned authentic Irish pub.  It's not a big music venue however besides the weekly open mic they have Karaoke and occasionally they have bands on the weekends.  The Ashford is a friendly place with an above average beer selection and a full bar.  It is a non smoking bar but they have a cozy patio where smoking is allowed.

Located on the southwest corner of Dairy Ashford and Perthshire, the Ashford is easily accessible from most points in west Houston.  Parking is adequate and fairly lit.  The entrance to the bar is around the side which sometimes confuses new comers, but it's not hard to find.

The acoustic open mic is a three song (15 minute max) format. Sign up is in person, and first come first served.  Covers and originals are welcome as well as all types of music.  It is an "acoustic" open mic so no drum kits or large amplifiers are allowed.  The sound system was plenty sufficient for the room and the levels are kept at a reasonable volume.  Although the open mic starts at 8:00 the host occasionally invites a "featured artist" to open with a 45 minute set before they actually start going through the list. This open mic is fairly well attended by some good musicians.  The list often times fill up fast so it's a good idea to get there fairly early to sign up.

Stop by the Ashford Arms Irish Pub any Thursday to enjoy some great music or to sign up and play a few songs for the crowd.

Ashford Arms Irish Pub

14605 Perthshire Road

Houston, TX 77079-7607

Map 

http://www.ashfordpub.com

281-497-5316