Let your talents shine at Mik-n-Mac’s open-mike

Most of the week, this is a spot filled with swirling colored lights and pulsing strobes, the rumbling bass of hip-hop and club music, sweaty drunks in loud conversation and booty-shakers bouncing to the beat.
However, every Monday night, the dance floor at Mik-n-Mac’s Lounge on north Fourth Street in downtown Coeur d’Alene is transformed into a cozy, candlelit venue for a mélange of local talent.
The microphone is open to everyone, from acoustic guitarist/singers to full bands, from slam poets and comedians to stupid-human-trick performers and kazoo orchestras – pretty much anything goes.
Unfortunately, in North Idaho, the local music and comedy scene is rather scant, so any occasion for local performers to get together is a golden opportunity – and, it’s hoped, entertaining for the audience as well.
Mik-n-Mac’s owner Rita Mikalatos was inspired to create open-mike night after holding a benefit concert earlier this year for Kim Hagen (visit www.bringkimback.com for more information).
Mikalatos says she had tried to bring in live music now and then over the past 10 years, but after dealing with too many late musicians, undesirable crowds and bad-sounding bands, she decided to forgo the hassle and stick with a full-time deejay.
However, the recent benefit show was a huge musical success, opening with a tribal drum circle and featuring acoustic performances by Mark Stephens and Cris Lucas and an energetic set by North Idaho’s finest original rock band, Kite.
Mikalatos decided the time was right to dabble again with hosting live music. With a bit of coaxing from Stephens, who also tends bar there, the idea was hatched for open-mike Mondays. Purchase of a state-of-the-art PA system made it official.
Monday is typically a slow night for most bars. On the first open-mike night at Mik-n-Mac’s during the first week in March, audience members outnumbered performers 10-to-1. In other words, all 10 of us watched only Stephens perform.
However, nearly everyone in the audience that night has returned to perform, and the number of people coming through the door has been building slowly but surely.
It’s been an interesting mix of performers. Host Stephens plays classic rock and originals on his acoustic guitar and has a powerhouse singing voice. His girlfriend, Tessa, bartends Monday nights but will emerge from behind the counter to join him on her guitar for a few songs.
I know Gary only by his first name, but he’s been showing up with a couple of guitars and playing spot-on covers of songs by Tool, Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam. Gary also will make up a funny song about you off the top of his head if you give him your name and a detail or two – it’s pretty hilarious.
Spokesman-Review photographer Jesse Tinsley randomly showed up one week with his ukulele and treated everyone to a fine rendition of “Over the Rainbow” as well as a dirty folk tune sung in Hawaiian.
A few weeks ago, Otis G performed some acoustic versions of his band 40 Ounce J’s hits “Beer Run” and “Go my Way.” His wife, whom I shall refer to by her blogger name “Mommy Dearest,” had everyone screaming with laughter during her all-too-brief comedy routine about Ethiopian restaurants, Athol, Idaho, and boobs. She has promised to lengthen her set and return.
I’m hoping all the performers of recent weeks plan on making it a habit.
Several Mondays ago, I decided to make Mik-n-Mac’s open-mike night the place for the live debut of Orange Television, my formerly studio-only electronic music project. Only a handful of folks were present, but the reaction was good, and I didn’t see anyone turn white and run screaming out the door with fingers in ears, so that was encouraging.
I was always afraid that the sight of me sitting behind my computer and singing wasn’t much for visual entertainment, until I realized it wasn’t really that different from someone sitting behind a guitar and singing. This is the 21st century and the laptop is my musical instrument.
Now that I have the itch, I plan on performing there at least several times a month, and I’m even thinking about booking some gigs in other venues. Look out, Spokane! Watch for the obligatory Orange Television triple live album in the not-too-distant future.
Anyway, visit Mik-n-Mac’s some Monday with your accordion or flugelhorn in tow. Come sing the hits of the ‘80s a cappella, perform Shamanic chants, do a mime tribute to Don Knotts. Whatever it is you do, come and join the fun. At least come down to support your local performers – or just to take advantage of the great drink specials: $2 microbrews and shots all night.
Sign-up begins at 4:30 p.m. every Monday, and performances begin at 7. If you’re a full band, show up a bit early for set-up. Call 664-4858 to sign up or get more information.