North Perk Brews Up An Open Mic

Oct. 19, 2014

Open mics can be great platforms for musicians to try out new tunes, get experience in front of an audience or just have a little fun. In Petoskey, however, open mic nights have become something of a rarity. Red Sky Stage and Beards Brewery do hold them occasionally, but North Perk Coffee has just started a regular open mic happening that’s poised to be a Gaslight District hit.

SOUND COMMUNITY

North Perk owners Brittany Brubaker and John McNeil found quick acceptance from the coffee lovers in their area, despite being new to both Petoskey and to running their business.

"We have had such an incredible and warm welcome to Petoskey and to the Gaslight District," Brubaker said. "I genuinely feel so lucky to have a shop here, where I’m able to contribute in a positive way to building a vibrant community. And I’m not just saying that. I’ve lived in multiple cities and none compare to the kindness and camaraderie that Petoskey offers."

Thanks to a brisk business since North Perk opened, Brubaker explained it wasn’t long before the time was right to add a new North Perk feature.

"Before we even opened, I knew I wanted to use the space to host events," she said.

But without the time to organize and promote an open mic right away, her idea was temporarily on the back burner.

"Go figure, a new business was keeping me busy!" Brubaker laughed.

However, as soon as she and McNeil felt secure in the business, they agreed it was time to expand their offerings.

"I love music, and love to support the local music scene," Brubaker said.

POSITIVE PRO

Rusty Drake of Waterway Music Productions provided the next piece of the puzzle.

Drake had recently moved back to the Petoskey area with his wife. He stopped by the coffee shop for a beverage and he and Brubaker started talking about music and where to see local musicians.

"That was when my wheels started turning from idea to implementation," Brubaker said.

Drake, who spent a long time in the music haven of Nashville, is an accomplished musician himself, so he was the perfect fit to run North Perk’s new open mic night.

"Working with a professional musician and production company immediately transformed the night into something I couldn’t have done on my own," Brubaker said. "He brings in pro equipment and it changes the whole feel of the event. Instead of someone singing off in a corner, they garner more attention from the audience, in part because of the setup. And the sound quality is really good."

Brubaker also points out that Drake helps ensure that everyone who comes in gets the chance to get up and sing or play.

"He brings a lot of energy to the night and we are very lucky to have him here doing so much," she said.

TALENTED TUNES

Also fortunate for North Perk are the building’s natural acoustics, which lend themselves well to the open mic’s aesthetic of primarily acoustic-based music, guitars and vocals.

"Everyone finds a space to sit in and watch or to wait for their turn to perform," Brubaker explained. "Many of the performers stay in support of those who haven’t gotten up yet, and lots of the regulars come to watch something fun and entertaining, even though they themselves don’t get up to sing. The crowd has been consistently attentive and supportive."

The open mic may expand, as they are already pushing the time allotted to each session in order to make sure everyone gets up on stage.

The musicians and songs vary greatly. "Covers of Jimmy Buffett, Van Morrison, The Doors, Johnny Cash and Norah Jones come to mind," Brubaker recollected.

Featured performers have included Bill Wilson, Meg Kehoe, Alex Vance, and local favorite Craig Cottrill.

"Hopefully this will help bring people downtown," Brubaker said. "It’s a night that brings people together and it will be especially nice in the winter to have another reason to get out of the house in the evening. Already I’ve been impressed with the talents of some of my regulars and, without this open mic night, I would never have known!"

North Perk Coffee’s Open Mic Night runs the second Thursday of every month from 5:30- 8pm at 410 East Lake Street in downtown Petoskey. Musicians bring their own instruments. Audience members are advised to arrive early to secure a table. Call North Perk at 231-373-0796 for more information.