One of the best things about living in a small town is the stealthy events that often pop up. (And with luck and perseverance, those little events tend to build and become popular.) I’ve been running an Open Mic Night at the Wooden Nickel Bar and Grill for over eight years. For the most part, it’s been every first Thursday at 7 pm.

Last year, Jody Fonseca of Jansen Music (our only local music store) started a similar Open Mic Night. I’ve pulled my Wooden Nickel Nights to every other month this year, so now Jody and I alternate months. For May, it’s Jansen Music’s turn. And it’s this Thursday at 7:30 pm.

An open mic is a great place to try out new songs, to try out performing, or to just come out to support other people. The best thing about an open mic is that by its nature, it’s full of incredibly supportive folks, as well. In the case of the open mic at our local music store, you’ll be pleasantly suprprised at how much talent we have in our town. And if you play, you might be pleasantly surprised yourself.

Jansen Music is at 1931 Main Street in Watsonville. Open Mic signups start at 7 pm, and the music kicks in at 7:30 pm.