Ashford Arms Open Mic 6/3/2010

Last Thursday night at Ashford Arms Open Mic was a blast.  It started off looking like it was going to be another seasonally slow night but by the end of the night we had 12 acts on the stage.  That, my friends is a pretty good night.

We started off the evening with Brandon Jantzen.   Brandon has been a regular player at the Ashford for about 6 months now.  

  It’s always good to hear him lay down his jams with “Drummer Dave” Dempsey helping him out.   

He also brought Keith Craik with his fiddle up for a song or two.

This night brought us another new player at the Ashford Arms.  It’s always a pleasure to have new people show up, and John Batten was no exception.  He battled through his first timer nervousness and played  some very good covers and good bluesy original.  We sure hope he keeps coming back.

Tina Allen and Mitch Tiffin were in the house Thursday.  Tina and Mitch have joined together to create an excellent duet with a rich country flavor.  

Josh Wager is another die hard regular at the Ashford.  We love the new folks, but the steadfast support we get from the regulars is welcome and necessary.  Josh also brings a country sound to mic and has a good time doing it.  

Following Josh was Ashford’s own Chris Greene.  Chris is an old friend of the Ashford Arms and when we brought the open mic in he couldn’t really avoid it.  He is a fine player and vocalist and it’s always a pleasure to have him on the stage.

Tony Ryan was next on stage.  It’s always good to see Tony front and center.  He plays bass for The Hard Times Troubadours, but he’s pretty damn good with that six string as well.

Zane Nordin came out sporting his new summer style.  You can always count on Zane to be entertaining, and a snappy dresser.

Next up, Bruce Ross.  Bruce has been bringing in some nice arrangements from his band The Significant Others.  That’s what open mic is all about.  Trying out new stuff and getting comfortable with it on stage.

Speaking of what Open Mic is all about…Amy Waters was back at Ashford Arms last week.  Amy is relatively new to performing publically.  She is also pretty new at guitar playing.  She didn’t let either one of those things keep her from showing up to an open mic a few weeks ago and giving it her best.  She is now a regular at a few different open mics and sounding better each time she plays.

It was great to see Clyde Sayre at the Ashford.  I see Clyde at other open mics, but he has never played at this one.  It just so happened he was in the house for a dart tournament, so we borrowed Josh’s guitar and got him up for a few songs.  Clyde always does a fun and entertaining set.  Steve Telfer jumped in with his flute as well.

 

Captain Rick made a late appearance.  He just came off a gig at The County Line for Steak Night and hustled over to the Ashford Arms for a set.  

Many thanks to all of the musicians and music fans that make Open Mics so much fun.  And a very special thank you to the fine back up musicians that played this week.  "Drummer Dave" Dempsey, Kieth Craik on Fiddle, Tony Ryan on Bass Guitar, and Steve Telfer on Flute.  

Join us every Thursday at The Ashford Arms Irish Pub for a great Acoustic Music Open Mic.

For more info about Ashford’s Open Mic CLICK HERE 

  

Churchill's Open Mic 6/1/2010

Things were a bit slow at Churchill's last Tuesday, but that didn't stop us from having plenty of fun and playing music.  Seems like whether we have a few players or a few too many, it's always a good time.  Churchill's is just a good place to hang out with friends.  They have good food and drink specials throughout the week,  Open Mic every Tuesday, Karaoke every Thursday, bands every Friday and Saturday, and solo or small combo groups on Sunday afternoons.  This alleged sports bar is quickly turning into a popular music venue.

The Open Mic lineup on Tuesday was John Barton, Randy Soffar, and Bruce Ross. Everyone got their spotlight, and then we pretty much just jammed the night away.  Plenty of fun and the bar patrons were appreciative.

Here is John Barton opening the evening with Randy Soffar backing him up on the Djembe.

Randy followed John and did a fun long set that included several of his originals from his Z Rock days.  ...and I didn't get one decent picture of him playing.  Here he is having a good time though.

Bruce Ross then took the stage and gave us a nice selection of his arrangements and new songs from his band Significant Others.

Then friends...
we jammed.

And it was fun.

And this is why we do it.

Thanks to Sarah, Marianne and the rest of the folks at Churchill's for supporting live music.

For more info about Churchill's Open Mic, CLICK HERE 

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.  

Churchill's Open Mic 5/25/2010

Tuesday's Open Mics at Churchill's are always fun and entertaining and this week was no different.  Things started off a little slow...a little late.  Seems like ever since the time changed people don't start showing up until later.  It doesn't seem to matter though because one we kick off the music everyone starts having a great time. We saw mostly old friends and regulars this week and had some pretty fun jams.  

The music kicked off with Randy "The Rockin' Realtor" Soffar playing some favorite covers and a couple of his better known originals.  

Tina Allen and Mitch Tiffin have joined together to make an excellent duet.  They are getting out to play at quite a few venues now, so it's always an honor when they make it out to the open mics. 

Amy Waters has been totally bitten by the Open Mic Bug and hasn't missed a Tuesday at Churchill's since she first happened in.  She is learning to play guitar and perform live at the same time...and doing a terrific job. This week she got Mitch Tiffin to help her out on the guitar for her first song, but then got after it herself for the rest of her set.

Clyde Sayre took the stage next with Randy Soffar on electric guitar and John Barton on djembe.  That boy can shake out some awesome blues and rock and with the backup from Randy and John it was an excellent set.

John Barton then went front and center for his own set and kept Randy up on the electric guitar.  John always plays a fun set of covers and originals.

I'd also like to thank Zane Nordin, Kim Kyle, and Terry Rogers for coming by.  Time constraints kept them from sticking around long enough to play but it was nice to have them drop in and support the open mic.  Also, many thanks to all of you music lovers out there that do so much to help us do what we love to do.  Your support of local live music is greatly appreciated.

Churchill's Acoustic Music Open Mic

Every Tuesday Night 8:00-12:00

Churchill's Bar & Grill

16687 W. Airport Blvd
Sugar Land, TX 77498

(281) 325-0095

www.churchillsbartexas.com