"If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere."

F. Clark

Darn it, last night I missed my time to shine!   I signed up to sing at Papa Mojo’s Roadhouse, but it just wasn’t my night.

See, that’s a path down the interstate I’ve started taking lately with a good deal of frequency. Wednesday night is open mic night… But it’s also a school night.  In grown-up speak, I’m just saying that I’ve got work the next day and need to get to bed at a decent hour.

9pm gave way to 10pm. It got later, and I knew what I had to do. Exit and drive home.

Here’s the thing.. While I left the bar a bit disappointed, I also left completely entertained.

You can not help but have a grand time when you enter this little slice of the Louisiana Bayou.

I have come to enjoy the cast of characters who hit the stage on a regular basis to perform at open mic night.

I won’t call names— mainly because I’m not "regular" enough to know these folks, but I’m getting there.

Let me start with the man clutching his glass of liquid courage.  His voice is strong with a rich and sexy timber, but he seems to need to hold on to that strong little drinky drink to get the job done.  He’s heckled some about it, but it’s all in good fun. Whatever it takes, right?  He faithfully delivers.

Then, there’s the singing waitress… And lord hammercy can she sing!  That’s not all. She also plays a mean lead guitar.  I’m not done. She writes her own songs!   I must find out WHY she’s turning over tables and serving up incredible edibles. This one sings R+B, Blues.. And if I’m right, I do believe she can rock out as well.

Just one more talent story before I hit the publish button.  The musicians themselves.  This band of merry men do it all. I’ve seen the horn player and host beat the drums. I’ve seen the lead guitar player sing backup vocals like it was his job. I’ve seen him also play the drums. It’s a show within a show, I tell you!

I show up on Open Mic Night  to do my thing on the stage floor.  However, while I wait I am fully finding my happy place.  There’s no better space I’ve found to spend a Wednesday night.

If you’re curious about all the goings on at Mojos.. you can visit their website:

www.papamojosroadhouse.com

"To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong."

Chilton Pearce

Last week I had one heck of a time hanging out with singers and musicians at Papa Mojo’s

Roadhouse in Durham.

If you are not familiar with the area, it’s a tough little spot to find.  That’s why they call it a Roadhouse.

I love the layout of Papa Mojo’s.  It’s a little taste of New Orleans tucked away in a nondescript shopping center of Highway 55.

It felt good to see familiar faces around the stage and on the stage.  The signup sheet for performers was front and center.  I put myself in the lineup and found a seat.   It was a bit before 9:00pm and the place was packed.  I had to make some new friends quickly because there were no empty tables.. just a few open seats here and there.

Once I got myself settled, I began to think about what song(s) I would sing.  Fever’s always a good one.. bands always know that one.  Misty, The Nearness of You, Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans– so many good tunes ran through my head.

The first singer up was a lady in black.  She was excellent and looked comfortable on the stage.  She sang the two songs that I wanted to sing: FEVER and SMOOTH OPERATOR.

No worry, I thought.  There were still lots of musicians in front of me.  I’d come up with something.  I settled down with my glass of ginger ale, and just enjoyed the show.  And believe me, it was a SHOW!

There was talent touching the stage.. on so many levels.  All sorts of people having a good time.

One thing I did not expect was the level of audience participation.  They talked back to the talent, they’d talk about the talent,  and if they loved the song being performed.. heck, they’d sing right along.  It reminded me a little bit of Showtime at the Apollo.

I told myself I would not let that bother me. Just do what you do.. I told myself.

In about one hour’s time, Brett Chambers.. who hosts Open Mic.. called my name.

I was warmly welcomed. I joked to the patrons, they might want to wait until they heard me before they gave that kind of applause.

My first song was a Jill Scott tune called "The Way".  Everybody knows THAT one… and I had a good time singing it.  One of the lead guitarists is a fellow I know from way back, and he was the one from the band harmonizing with the singers.  He was great.  I was well received.. and just happy to have a chance to sing.

I was on my way to my chair, when Brett stopped me, and said every performer does two songs.  I did notice that others had done that, but I just assumed that was their choice.   I came back and sang Smokey Robinson’s Oooo Baby Baby.  That one went down well, too.

Finally at my seat for good, I was happy to get some high fives, handshakes and words of encouragement. It was a good night all the way around.

Better yet.. Mel Melton– who is the Top Food + Music Guy at Papa Mojo’s approached me with his business card and yelled, "You’re hired!"

Made my night!

Friends, I got a call from Mel the next day.  He and others at the Roadhouse are working on doing something different on Thursday nights– some singing.. some comedy– they’re tinkering with the big picture.  I don’t know how it’s going to turn out, but I hope and trust my name is associated with it.  Stay tuned for more on that!

In the meantime, I know where I’m going to be on Wednesday nights for awhile.  That’s open mic night at Papa Mojo’s Roadhouse.

You can find out what else is cooking there and how to get there by visiting their website:

www.papamojosroadhouse.com