Dennis Cartin, Ken Pavao, and Harry Cook

First Dennis came in, then Ken, and finally Harry of the Resonators. Soon it was apparent that this was a set-up. They commandeered the stage and proceeded to rip through some red hot bluegrass, joined by #1 Resonator Dick Webb on banjo. Left to right, it's Ken on dobro, Dennis on guitar, and Ken on guitar. Don't try to find Dick; he's sitting offstage with his banjo.

Paul DeChambeau

The awesome power of point-of-purchase advertising was proven when Paul stopped in solely because he saw the Open Mic listing on the sign in front of CBO's. We're lucky he decided to join us. Paul played some of his own thoughtful, melodic tunes, then surprised everyone with "It Never Rains in Southern California."

Monica Ambroziak

Man, if you only could have heard Monica singing "Summertime." But wait—thanks to the magic of the Internet (©1998 Al Gore), you can—just click the link below. I simply can't find any adjectives to do Monica justice. All I can say is, I hope she decides to come back soon.

Listen to Summertime performed live by Monica Ambroziak

Kevin MacBride

Kevin decided to come out and play some mandolin before he was to return to Ireland the following morning. He gamely accompanied me on a couple of Irish tunes, then put me to the ultimate test with a reel. Let's just say I was left reeling.

Laura Sheridan

The first stand-up comedian (is it PC to say "comedienne" any more?) to come to the Open Mic, Laura spent twenty years as a bond trader, then gave it up for her true passion, comedy. She touched on her childhood in Dorchester, bad bosses, sadistic nuns, and a few other hot-button topics.

Dazed and Confused

Extreme Honorable Mention™ to John Stebbens for deciding to thoroughly baffle Jeff Garber by inviting him to join in on mandolin, then ripping through five blazing key changes. One of these days, John will be arrested for speeding.

Listen to Tennessee Stud performed live by John Stebbens

President Bush

CBO's was all abuzz when two black SUVs pulled up out front, and a phalanx of Secret Service agents barged in through the fire exit. In a flash, they dispersed themselves around the bar area, inspecting every corner. The door flew open again, and in walked none other than President Bush, surrounded by more bodyguards. He strode purposefully onto the stage, then presented Bill and Amy Lyons—"Just the Two of Us"—with the 2006 Open Mic Lifetime Service Award. "In times of worldwide strife around the world," he said, "it is indeed comforting to know that music, which is good, is an immutable enterprise. And one person who is really immutable is Bill and Amy." The President politely declined Brad's offer of a free shot of Jamison's, then beat a hasty retreat.

Listen to Leaky Roof Blues performed live by Just the Two of Us (Words and music ©2006 Bill and Amy Lyons)

Bob Winslow

You have to see Bob in action to believe him. He came in with a tiny, portable Yamaha keyboard, and proceeded to bash it to pieces as it lay on his lap, improvising a wildly eclectic instrumental medley that included everything from an Irish jig to Paul McCartney's "My Love" ("and when I go awaaaaaay..."). He's been playing in the area a long time, and I've somehow missed him until now. We've been begging him to bring in his full-size keys. Time will tell.

Rob Dragunas

Rob has dropped in a few times, but tonight was the first time we were able to drag him onstage. Turns out that he, like so many ostensible wallflowers, is a powerful vocalist and a real hot-shot guitarist. He has his own band, but logistics, so far, have prevented them from coming en masse on a Tuesday night. We can only hope...

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Regulars, return engagements (Dick Webb, Chris Botelho, Garry Coole, John Stebbens), and another new face...

Tom Glenn

Tom was reeled in by Amy and Bill, and if they're expecting some kind of finders' fee, they'll have to be patient with me. Tom played and sang original tunes and covers in a rich, sophisticated style that's reminded me of Chet Atkins and Chuck Berry by turns. If I'm completely out of the ballpark with these references, Tom, let me know, and I'll think harder and re-write my essay. Anyhow, he'll definitely be back!

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Gideon Gray

Gideon, from England by way of Quincy, sang some soulful originals mixed with a couple of tastefully-rendered covers (always nice to hear someone under the age of sixty carrying the Beatles torch!). Gideon is a solo artist as well as a producer/mix master. We hope he makes it back here soon.

Listen to Norwegian Wood performed live by Gideon Gray

If the Beatles organization comes after me for posting this, I'll have lost faith in humanity.

Chris Botelho

Chris, of the Botelho Brothers, was a welcome addition, contributing warm vocals and tasteful guitar on heartfelt originals and covers. He's been performing around Southeastern Massachusetts for a long time. The Botehlo Brothers' CD got a great writeup in the Patriot Ledger.

John Stebbens

John works at Central Music in Brockton, where a poster for the Open Mike is displayed in the window. Finally, his curiosity got the better of him, and he schlepped his Martin on down to West Bridgewater to rip through some stunning Doc Watson-style finger-picked and flatpicked bluegrass. He's threatened to return.

Kevin Quimby

In the true spirit of open mikes, Kevin decided on the spur of the moment to sing while I played U2's "One" and the ubiquitous "Brown-Eyed Girl". He tells us he'll be back to read some of his poetry. We're waiting, Kevin!

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Bob Lloyd

Bob came in and hustled us with a story about how he hasn't played for a while and was really nervous, then proceeded to blow the doors off with his powerful, clear voice and dangerous guitar chops. He's so good I hope he doesn't come back, but I'm afraid he will.

Bob Widdop

Some people think "oldies" means songs from the 70's. Bob Widdop's forte is early 20th century parlor tunes—the type that people sang in parlors back when people still sang at home. He's an entertainer with the Big Apple Circus, among his other varied pursuits. Bob also threw in a beautiful Dixie Chicks ballad for good measure, thereby crossing the century barrier.

Peter Connors

Keeping things firmly in this century—and this minute—is what Peter Connors is about. He came in and played a barrelhouse set of contemporary music (he's got a ton of it) in a Dave Matthews vein, looking backward only briefly for the Counting Crows' "Rain King." His work has prevented him from playing much lately. I hope he gets the bug and comes back often.

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Freddy K.

In the grand tradition of musicians with anonymous last names comes Freddy K. from Quincy. He's a Boston rock veteran striking out on his own as a singer-songwriter, and he served up some scathing geopolitical commentary with a beat. How can you not like a guy who plays a red guitar with a fish decal on it?

Dick Webb

Another celebrity drive-by. A shameless ringer, Dick has been shepherding The Resonators in their quest for jug band perfection for many years in New England. If you haven't heard their own brand of "blues-grass," you're missing something special. Dick channeled the spirit of Spider John Koerner, among others.

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Carla

There's hidden talent everywhere you look. Carla decided on the spur of the moment to sing U2's "With or Without You" with me on guitar, and demonstrated some serious pipes—while I demonstrated a serious unfamiliarity with the tune, flailing away on an endless loop of I - VIm. She then decided to do the next number a cappella, as I didn't know that one either. She really rocked the place.

Bill Davis

Bill's been playing in the area for a long time, and he holds the distinction of being the first open mic-er to bring in a keyboard. He surprised everyone with Leon Russell's driving piano part from Joe Cocker's "The Letter," and played an intense, eclectic set that got better by the minute. To top it all off, he grabbed my D-28 to finish up—which must have been a treat for him to play, as he only has a crummy old D-28, and everyone knows the old ones aren't any good.

"Just the Two of Us"

Amy and Bill Lyons—the folk lions of Southeastern Massachusetts are officially open mic regulars now, and every week brings more surprises. The highlight this week was Amy's over-the-top rendition of "Don't Advertise Your Man," which is always good advice, unless you're on Craigslist.

Chuck Ochs

Bridgewater's own Chuck Ochs expanded his Delta and country blues vocabulary by breaking out his banjo, which added to the down-home flavor. He's got the real stuff down cold.

Jeff Garber

Jeff broke out his guitar for the first time at the open mic, dispensing with his usual mandolin. He alternated some far-reaching cover songs with decidedly left-of-center originals. To call this set eclectic wouldn't do it justice. Let's just say that anyone who can sing Donovan's "Catch the Wind" and Chuck Berry's "My Ding-a-ling" in one sitting deserves wide renown. When the Open Mike Sidewalk of Fame is poured in front of C.B. O'Hanley's, Jeff's star will be first.

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Tony P. and Rachel

I still can't believe it: they came all the way from Hull. Tony sang and played some intricate leads over looped rhythm, using a pedal board he designed and built himself. Having only recently learned to play guitar using two hands myself, I'm envious of his skill. Rachel sang "Mercedes-Benz" a cappella while Tony drummed. How cool is that?

Garry Coole

Garry is a fellow Bridgewater resident, and I met him for the first time Tuesday night. He played a bunch of compelling originals with a sophisticated jazz guitar style. I was able to identify a minor 9th—which I recognize from playing Van Morrison's "Moondance." Beyond that, he blinded me with science.

"Just the Two of Us"

Amy and Bill Lyons—if you haven't run into them, you probably haven't been around Southeastern Massachusetts very long. They perform folk songs of every stripe and from every era, and their love of the music is evident in their performances. Plus, Amy and Bill are some of the nicest folks you'll meet.

Chuck Ochs

Chuck is yet another Bridgewater guy that I'd never met prior to the Open Mike. He specializes in fingerpicked Delta and country blues. His version of Scrapper Blackwell's "Trouble Blues" is one of my personal favorites.

Sven Von Magnus

Sven showed up late and stepped up to the plate. I'm sure he'll be back. He grabbed erstwhile sound guy/mandolinist Jeff Garber to improvise some moody, Michael Hedges-type instrumentals. It's just amazing how many good guitar players are out there.

Craig Carter

I wasn't able to get a shot of Craig the other before my brother John popped in and brought a camera for me. Everyone knows what Craig looks like, especially the girls.

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