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Mr. Jones at Court Tavern Open Mike
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The fun starts at about 9:30 pm, when Rob punches out a couple of his funky originals, giving them a fresh sound to those who have
heard the electrified Overlap versions. Rob then lets the other struggling artists take the room. There is no official sign-up sheet but the performance schedule is delegated on a first come, first
serve basis. On an average night, performers play about three or four songs each. Rob supplies the sound system, a patch cord or two, and even his guitar in the event of guitar technical problems
(he bailed me out a few times).
On a given Wednesday night, one may hear Chris McMillan and Brian Woodward of The Dogs of Pompeii trying out a new tune, the smooth rasp of Kathy McWade accompanied by her acoustic guitar. Grateful Dead aficionados, metal-heads and traditional folkies all stop by to play and make merry. One thing not to miss is poet/accountant/DJ Jeff Mastroberti belt out his double-entendre-laden poem "Plantain."
People always go the open mike to listen or play and many of the regulars are Rutgers students. The pitcher specials are reasonable and you can sit at either the bar, a table, or couch. Even on September 12, the day after the World Trade Center Attack, people needed to get out to the Court to be entertained. "At first, we weren't going to do it (the open mike)," Rob Jones explains, "but we did anyway and it turned out alright." Then again, the Court Tavern itself has been no stranger to adversity, having almost been closed by investors on numerous occasions, only to be saved by the continued support from a community that treasures the local music scene.
So come on out to the Court Tavern to ease that mid-week crisis with some good music and bring you instrument if you choose (NOTE: Be sure to catch the "The Thing With Two Heads poster!").
–David J. Gorsky
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