The return of 'open mic'
MILFORD On Friday nights in Milford, at the east end of town, music could be heard drifting out of the doors at the Broad Street Coffee House as people went in and out. It was an event known as Open Mic Night at the Coffee House.
The idea of the Open Mic was the brainchild of Dan Kostelec, an assistant manager at the coffee house and began last summer.
With the recent closing of the Broad Street Coffee House, it seemed Open Mic would be no more. On what was dubbed the last Open Mic, a group of regulars met in the back and discussed a possible future for the gathering. Three things were decided. They didn't want it to end and they needed to find a new venue. And since the Open Mic had sprung up in the Coffee House and the regular attendees spanned generations, the people wanted to keep the alcohol free venue.
I loved seeing the young folk discussing music with the older people, one regular noted. Its really amazing.
Another regular, a member of the group Jiggle the Handle, mentioned how it was one of the few places her kids actually wanted to go with her.
The effort, spearheaded by Mark Ferguson, searched the area for a new home. Several places were discussed, including a studio owned by regular Ernie Kara, a veteran of the Milford music scene. Finally, after meeting with 611 Broad Street building owner, Donna Hamilton, it was decided that the temporary home of the Open Mic would be in the back room of 611 Broad Street, in what was known as The Studio.
Thus Milford Open Mic was founded. The debut event was held on Friday March 9 from 7 p.m. until past 10 p.m.
Its an awesome family environment, where we've become a family here, said Mark Ferguson in explanation of why the group wanted to continue. He named a few others deeply involved in making the Milford Open Mic a reality. The Hawthorne and Kislak families, Sara Cohen (former manager at the Broad Street Coffee House), Ernie Kara, the group Los Huevos, Diane and Mike Cutaia. And of course, my girls, Ferguson added, speaking of his daughters Shannon, Valerie, Becky and Samantha, who are Open Mic favorites.
The larger than expected turnout for the debut event was great... its fantastic according to Ferguson.
Jeanette Kislak, who has been coming to Open Mic for over a month and a half, felt the new venue was intimate and full of positive energy. Mrs. Kislak brought deserts for the event with Open Mic themes such as Not Your Grandma's Red Velvet and Bananas about Open Mic cupcakes.
No cover is required and food is supplied free of charge. Donations are accepted in order to defray the cost of rent and food. Beside the delicious cupcakes, there was coffee, juices, chips and pigs-in-a-blanket. The fare will change each week. All are welcome to come and perform or simply sit and enjoy the music.
The highlight of the evening, which has become a tradition at the Open Mic since they started coming a few months ago, was the performances by the NJ based band, Los Huevos. Vinnie Rossi, Pistol Pete Magistro, Jim Blass and Josh Stapleton rocked the house with some cover tunes as well as their own original music. Milford Open Mic will be holding special events each month.
Milford Open Mic is on Friday evenings from 7 p.m. until around 10 p.m. each week at 611 Broad Street in Milford, PA, with special events scheduled on Saturday evenings. They have a website at http://milfordopenmic.webs.com and will soon be on Facebook under the Milford Open Mic banner. Any queries about the open mic or special events can be sent via the website.
Charles Reynolds