Michael Rahman

The great thing about this open mic is the way new people nonchalantly walk in, then proceed to rock the joint. Sure enough, Michael rocked the joint with some powerful originals on his first visit. Let's hope he comes back soon. Tony P. joined him on percussion.

Frank Doyle

Frank always gets things going with some high-energy oldies. Elvis and Buddy Holly are standouts, and he really rips it up with The Clovers' "Love Potion Number 9" (which I'm thinking must have been the Viagra of the Fifties). As to whom the present-day Clovers are, I'm thinking Lady Gaga. Really: the Clovers' "One Mint Julep" was pretty racy for the time, though they did wear pants. Chuck Whelan, who also wears pants, joined Frank on vocals.

Tony P.

Tony dropped in to liven things up with his djembe. Percussion is just one of Tony P's talents—he's an immensely popular singer/guitarist who performs at the Cask and Flagon (and our own Paddy Barry's), among other places. Plus he has one of the coolest beards anywhere.

Joe Murray and Joel Henderson

These gentlemen hadn't been by for a while, so it was time. Great vocals and guitars, and a wide range of material. The do a great Johnny Cash (no offense to Chuck Whelan, who also does a great Johnny Cash—but, hey, there's two of 'em).

The Locals

Cormac and Ryan, our favorite "local" Irish troubadours added banjo and pennywhistle to the mix this time. If you can't enjoy these guys, you're most likely dead, and it's widely accepted that dead people get very little enjoyment from life.

Pat O'Donnell

His good nature is contagious (see? He's cracked up Joe Rogier, seen behind him), and he loves to sing Elvis. What's not to like? He's promised to return with his keyboard.

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Steve Lindsay

A voice to die for. Steve performs traditional Irish music (as well as contemporary), and can be heard regularly at the Snug in Hingham. Here he's accompanied by Brian Haley.

Jennifer McQuaid

Expatriate Mainer Jennifer returned with more classic hits and originals delivered in powerful voice—the Roy Orbison and Springsteen tunes are proven crowd-pleasers.

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Brian Haley

One of the nicest people you'll meet anywhere, "Bongo Brian" brought his percussion, vocals and limitless energy to Paddy's once again. 

Pat Burke

It's great to have Pat coming by every week with his interesting mix of originals and tasteful covers. He's been appearing regularly around the area. Check out his song "Red" here.

Al Almeida

Al is fast becoming the official Wednesday night percussionist of Paddy Barry's…nothing wrong with that!

Tom Budreau

Since I was playing with Tom and unable to take his picture, here's a file photo of Tom from some time last summer (cue "Theme from a Summer Place"). Ah, last summer. The Open Mic, the splendor of life and love on Hancock Street. Were we really that young?

Wayne Frieden

Not only is Wayne one of the most entertaining singers you'll find in these parts, he happens to be the a fishing boat captain. I think that may authorize him to perform marriages, just in case anyone is thinking of getting married on Open Mic Night at Paddy Barry's.

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Rich Coy and Joe Rogier

These guys come by frequently to treat us to great guitar-playing and vocals. I do have some favorites, but I'm really waiting to hear "Pinball Wizard" again.

Geoff Valentine

First time here for Geoff. A highlight of his set was a terrific version of "Sixteen Tons", performed the way Merle Travis would have done it (if he were still living, and had come to the open mic). Lots of great pickin' and singin' all around.

Doug Kwartler

Doug had just relocated from New York, and was looking for an open mic. "We've got you covered," I assured him. "There are no other open mics in the area besides this one." Doug bowled everyone over with his steam-engine guitar and Nashville-ready vocals. "Folsom Prison Blues" was a standout.

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Joe Fitz

A late-night appearance by the legendary Joe Fitz, on his way back from the local blues jam. Since I was playing with Joe and unable to take his picture, here's a screen cap from one of his videos. Here he's singing his own plaintive "She Loves the Dog (More Than Me)" into a much nicer microphone than I can afford.

Pat Burke

It's great to have Pat coming by every week with his interesting mix of originals and tasteful covers. He's been appearing regularly around the area. Check out his song "Red" here.

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Al Almeida

Al is fast becoming the official Wednesday night percussionist of Paddy Barry's…nothing wrong with that!

Tom Budreau

Since I was playing with Tom and unable to take his picture, here's a file photo of Tom from some time last summer (cue "Theme from a Summer Place"). Ah, last summer. The Open Mic, the splendor of life and love on Hancock Street. Were we really that young?

Wayne Frieden

Not only is Wayne one of the most entertaining singers you'll find in these parts, he happens to be the a fishing boat captain. I think that may authorize him to perform marriages, just in case anyone is thinking of getting married on Open Mic Night at Paddy Barry's.

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Rich Coy and Joe Rogier

These guys come by frequently to treat us to great guitar-playing and vocals. I do have some favorites, but I'm really waiting to hear "Pinball Wizard" again.

Frank Ruzzano

Frank sings beautifu, thoughtful original songs, some of them decidedly "Beatle-y".

Frank Doyle

This is the first time in a while that Frank hasn't ducked out before we had a chance to take advantage of him. So take advantage of him we did. Where else are you gonna hear "Marie's the Name of His Latest Flame"?

Toasted

This band is great, and they've been coming by just about every week now, in preparation for a string of local gigs. What better place to get your act together than Paddy Barry's? I may even get my act together some time.

Jennifer McQuaid

Hailing from the great state of Maine (where, per the signs on the Turnpike, we turn our headlights on for safety), Jennifer does a lot of great songs, old and new—Roy Orbison is a particular standout. Does anybody remember the great "comeback" album Roy did right before he died? Of course, then he died…

Gerard Magnarelli

Gerard came down from the North Shore to belt out some original tunes. He has a  terrific voice, and a solid style that people really enjoyed.

Erin Curran

Erin's beautifully rendered traditional ballads had everyone in thrall once again. The crowd at Paddy's was perfectly silent for ten minutes. Imagine the miracles she could perform in Washington.

Brian Mahoney

Brian comes by quite a bit to lay down the musical law, but he never cops an attitude. Tonight's arresting performance was aided and abetted by Scot Batson from Sound Asylum and Chuck Whelan, whose record goes back years.

Steven Cerrato

Seventeen-year-old Steven returned to sing and play some more serious guitar. And just to prove that Paddy Barry's is a family place, here's a picture of Steven with his dad.

Mike Alfano and Dan Ryan

Mike switched back and forth from six to twelve strings with the greatest of ease as Dan contributed his usual sterling vocals.

Pat Burke

Pat's been coming by every week to grace us with some great originals and covers.

Al Almeida

Nobody percussionates like Al, and he's been dropping in frequently to percussionate out of the goodness of his heart.

Tom Budreau

Smilin' Tom does it again: To know him is to love him.

Jessica Santacroce

Beautiful voice, great songs. You can catch Jessica regularly at Uno's in Cambridge.

Sarah Martin

Sarah delivered a hilarious set of sarcastic comedy. She performs all over the area—check out her schedule.

Freddy K.

It's always a treat to temporarily inhabit the singular world of Quincy's own Freddy K. Head protection is recommended.

Frank Ruzzano

Frank returned after a long absence to performs some of his captivating original songs. He's assured us he'll be back.

Toasted

Tonight Mark and Mike were joined by Barbara to make the complete trio. These guys play some great rocking music.

Scot Batson

Scot doubled as guitar player and sound man tonight, which worked out well for everyone. You should definetly check out his band Sound Asylum.

Chuck Whelan

If you're savvy enough, you can find Chuck performing at West Roxbury Pub, among other places. When he's not doing that, he's right here showing everyone how it's done.

Chris O'Connor and Kevin

I didn't get Kevin's last name. I'm sure someone can set me straight. Sometimes you just have to let people play at 12:45—especially if they're singing "Fairy Tale of New York", the lyrics of which are even bleaker after Christmas.