What can happen in 5 years? Well...lots actually: Toddlers develop cognitive and motor skills at an exponential rate; economies recess and recover (and recess again); salmon leave the river where they were spawned and then return to complete their life cycle; 2 winter Olympiads; Microsoft gives the world 3 more versions of Windows...
In Fort St. John, however, the passing of 5 years also means Egan’s Open Mic has evolved from a quiet Sunday night jam that featured a handful of performers into a Wednesday night beacon for local musical talent. 5 years of friendships forged, collaborations, artists honing their craft, and a wonderful event for the music-lovin’ people in Fort St. John to be together. 5 years of falling in love with performances from our friends and peers such as house favourite Steve Ryan, Lindsay Pratt (you’ve come along way baby!), Nick Baccante, Jason Butler, Mike Odowichuk, Johnny Stone and Johnny G. And now it seems we’re watching the changing of the guard as artists like Ryan Sebastiano, Adam Kirschner, Lee Taylor, Henry See and Mat Savard become more familiar. Jeez...we might have to add a second night. Anyway you look at it, there is a vast amount of talent in this town and Egan’s stage has seen it all.
As Open Mic on Tour descends on Egan’s on April 21, it will mark the 5th anniversary for this ‘granddaddy’ of musical events in our city. The music is gonna start early (I promise) and go late...cause I’m guessing the list of stage-takers will be long and distinguished. This night is a huge deal to me. I’ve had the absolute honour of spending the majority of my Wednesdays with tons of incredible people, both on and off the stage. So come on out and let’s have a beer, share some stories and enjoy the music!
