FARMINGTON – As you walk up the stairs to the second floor of 305 W. Main St., you might find yourself wondering if you’ve mistakenly entered a stranger’s apartment. Well, if it weren’t for the “open mic” sidewalk sign, painted by artists at
Farmington’s newest weekly open mic night, above Arrowsoul and Nizhoni Trading Co., began in mid-November, said Chris Chavez, a musician and organizer of the sessions. Other restaurants and bars in town host open mic nights, but the one in 305B has a homey feel that makes it unique, musicians say.
The building, owned by Karen Ellsbury and Patrick Hazen of Studio 116, has three rooms, including one that contains Ellsbury’s studio. The open mic sessions take place in the largest space, where strings of lights line the two windows, and sofa chairs and folding chairs are scattered to the side.
Bekah Davis, a musician who has attended sessions since they started, said the Thursday nights sprang from jazz jams also hosted by Studio 116 in summer. Recognizing there were many good musicians in the area who didn’t play jazz, Chavez organized the Thursdays to be open to anyone.
It’s low-key, no-pressure, and any genre or experience level is welcome to perform. One evening, a young boy performed “The Grinch” with backup support of two guitarists and a ukulele. It’s also not uncommon for musicians from the audience to join in, either singing or playing backup percussion.
Although the regulars have been playing together for a while, newcomers are welcome. Knowledge of the sessions has spread mainly through word-of-mouth, a few printed flyers and Facebook, Chavez said.
Although the Thursday evenings originally were hosted on patio space behind Studio 116, they moved to the current location for the winter. Ellsbury said she hopes to have an additional stage outside for performances during spring and summer.
For now, organizers say the open mic night will continue every Thursday evening for as long as there’s interest..
lweber@durangoherald
