Open mic nights give local musicians a time to shine

Video: Ric Kindle at an open mic at the Belmont Arts Center on Reus Street back in 2005.

Written by Rebecca Ross
Pensacola News Journal
March 20, 2011

It was a quiet Tuesday evening, but over on Reus Street, the thumping rhythm of guitar and drums drifted on the humid air. Open mic night at the Belmont Building was in full swing.

Inside the old brick structure, A.M. Rashad perched on a stool, performing a soulful version of "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" for a handful of listeners. Head bobbing to the beat, Marcus Robinson sat nearby, just feet from the sign-up sheet. The 21-year-old Pensacola resident brought his acoustic guitar along, but couldn't bring himself to perform.

"I'm just gonna listen," Robinson said, grinning. "I'm not ready."

Oh, well. Maybe another night.

Open mics are nothing new. For years, local bars and other venues have offered aspiring musicians — and a few tipsy dare takers — a shot at the spotlight.

Rashad, a Pensacola musician who performs as Acousta Folk, helps host the weekly "Tones and Bones" all-ages gathering at the Belmont Building. He sees the value in those few minutes of free stage time.

"You're giving local musicians a chance to come out and express themselves," he said. "It's good for them and it's good for the audience."

Presented by Truth for Youth, a nonprofit youth ministry, the easygoing evenings at the Belmont encourage amateurs and experts to mingle musically.
"Anybody can sign up and perform," Rashad said. "These young students learn something from us old-timers, and if we're paying attention, we learn something from them."