by Patric Lewandowski
news@thenewsleaders.com
There’s a special tradition that’s grown up during the past eight years in St. Joseph. Whether it’s the dead cold of winter or a beautiful summer evening, every Tuesday, performers gather at Local Blend for one of the longest continuous open-mic nights in Minnesota, hosted by Dave Cofell and Adam Hammer.
“We get players of all abilities,” Cofell said, “from young kids who are just starting out (to seasoned veterans). Usually we’re a little taken aback because they’re so good.”
There is certainly a mix of talent both familiar with and new to the Local Blend stage.
“I’ve been coming just over a year,” said musician Joe Eckman. When asked what makes Local Blend’s open mic special, with no hesitation, he replies, “Everybody is really enthusiastic about listening and just enjoying the art.”
Glen Irvin, who recently moved to the St. Joseph area, played for the first time Jan. 23 on the Local Blend stage. “The whole venue is full. I expected like four people here on a Tuesday,” Irvin said.
One of the things Cofell and Hammer pride themselves on is the community aspect of the open mic and its welcoming nature. “People come in, they play, they hear other people play; they start as strangers and over time become friends.
A true strength of the Local Blend’s open-mic night is the variety of acts that perform. While most acts are music, there was even a bit of stand-up comedy on Jan. 23.
“It could be anything,” Cofell said. “We have spoken word, keyboard players, people just bringing in odd instruments, but it’s mostly guitar.”
Besides the usual mix of people covering favorite songs and performing their own, Cofell often hosts a once-a-month song-writing challenge as part of the open mic. “We’ve had loads of great songs written,” Cofell said. Topics have ranged widely in the contests, from happy songs about death to weather or cars.
Local Blend’s open mic is every Tuesday from 7 to 10 p.m. Acts should arrive at 6 p.m. to sign up for a 15-minute slot, but there are four call-in slots available at 2 p.m.
Singer Joe Eckman pauses during his set during open-mic night Tuesday, Jan. 23 at the Local Blend.