Every Tuesday night, the café and whiskey bar Musiikki hosts their weekly open mic, available for any local Kingston musician to sign up and play in front of a live audience. Being first-come first-serve, Musiikki’s open mic often brings together musicians of varying talent and skill levels, making it an inclusive space to share a love of music.
On Sept. 29, beginning around 7:00 p.m. and lasting until 10:45 p.m., the attendance built up as the night went on, giving less-experienced acts the opportunity to play to a more relaxed crowd. The opening performance, done by John Doe, a pseudonym, was a lovely introduction to the night ahead.
He opened the evening by announcing this was his first open mic, which allowed the audience to embark on the journey alongside him. Performing an acoustic cover of “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd, John Doe demonstrated a charming, almost youthful level of guitar that left the audience cheering him on.
Although there were a few hiccups along the way, that didn’t matter. Doe performed songs he was comfortable with for the first time in front of a live audience, receiving a round of applause from the audience after his set.
The night continued with guitar duo Brendan Lyver and Rowan Leach, both second-year medical students at Queen’s. Following Doe’s personal and acoustic performance, it seemed like their two electric guitars would inject the night with more energy. They began their set with a cover of ’s “Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black),” which put on their chemistry on full display.
Leach’s vocal performance amplified their presence as a duo, while Lyver shined on lead guitar and during his solos. Although their later songs like “Pink Pony Club” and “Kilby Girl” were in need of a band to sound “whole,” they held their own and continued to impress the crowd.
In an interview with The Journal, the duo touched on their experiences playing music in Kingston so far.
“We’ve only been jamming since around October last year, but we’ve each been playing our instruments individually for a while,” Lyver said.
When asked if they were looking to play more in the area or even start a band, they mentioned a tradition of sorts for Queen’s medical students who share a passion for music.
The Rolling Bones, as they have coined themselves, are a “legacy band” made up of current Queen’s medical students and are interested in performing in the downtown area in the future. Based on the talent of Lyver and Leach, the addition of a supporting band is sure to produce some must-see music.
After a long eclectic night of music, the sibling duo Shakour and Bibi Henson took the stage and blew the gathered crowd away with a beautiful cover Bob Dylan’s “” with only guitar and vocal work. Performing under the improvised band name “Baby Gorgeous,” the Hensons brought a soft southern sound and played with the kind of connection only siblings have.
If the Sept. 29 event was any indication, Musiikki open mic is a place where everyone is welcome. Especially as a new and eager musician looking for a safe space to debut your skill, the welcoming and safe environment these open mics provide can give the confidence necessary to pursue more musical passions.
Whether you’re there to watch or play, there is no doubt that a good time will be had.
Tags
Live Music, local musicians, Musiikki, open mic
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