Review of This Week’s Open Mic Night at E Street Pub

I think people are really catching onto Thursday nights. Thursday’s like the new Saturday, or something. And it’s all because Thursday’s are Open Mic Nights down at the E Street Pub right here in the historic depot area of Richmond, Indiana. Now we’re not talking about your typical coffee house, elevator music open mic, we’re talking about some very talented musicians rolling through here and putting on a kick-butt show.

And there’s no cover charge. Free great live music. And there’s always such a great variety. I’m always stoked when I hear something I haven’t heard before. Or somebody just gets up there and blows you away with his or her original song or their version of another song. Just like our host last night, Brian Dannaker, and his awesome version of Ozzy’s “Crazy Train“. Now that one will definitely put a smile on your face.

We had a couple of guys that I personally had never seen play down here before, Jay Johnson and Carl Rader, and they were absolutely phenomenal. These guys could really pick out a song. I’ve posted a video of them at the bottom of this article. Do yourself a favor and check it out. I was thoroughly impressed and I believe the crowd was too.

Which is another thing; there was a heck of a crowd there last night. People are really coming out to see this great show. But I digress, Jay and Carl really put on a great show. There music was great, but they also gave stage presence which sometimes can be missing from even a great show. From playing with beer bottle slides and getting the crowd involved it certainly was a treat.

Another treat that we veteran residents of this bar got last night was the return of Joe Augustine. Joe has always been a great entertainer and has been playing in this place for many years. He played some great music for us last night, like his original “Dancing in the Corn” and his awesome rendition of “Kiss from a Rose” which doesn’t sound anything like the Seal song. Actually his Dancing in the Corn song has been stuck in my head all day. It’s a great song, you got to hear it. Maybe I’ll be able to snag a recording of it one of these days and get it on here. Anyway, there’s a picture of Joe at the top of this article belting out a tune for us.

So next Thursday come on out and join me, and the awesome crowd, for another great and FREE! Show (also cheap drinks!) brought to you by the E Street Pub. If you are a musician and would like to play we’d love to hear you. The music usually starts around 10 pm. Come early and sign up with our hosts. See ya there!