Center stage, with only his guitar, microphone and an old barstool to work with, singer-songwriter Arnie Baird let his music speak for itself. Just back from a musical tour in Hawaii, Baird certainly brought some of that laid back, island feeling with him as he took the stage, opening up a music-filled evening at The Saint this Friday.
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Baird calls his music "anti-folk." With roots in folk, blues, and rock and roll, most of his songs match a simple, acoustic guitar accompaniment with melodic and often poetic lyrics. Baird mentions such varied influences as Coldplay, John Mellancamp, Gloria Estefan, and Christina Aguilera. He now also adds Hawaiian musician John Cruz to the list. Baird says that a lot of artists that he met on his recent Hawaiian tour had a big impact on his playing. What stands out most, in his musical taste, are artists whose songwriting ability defines their music. continued on page 8
Check out these Open Mics!
Espresso Joes on Main St. in Keyport
If anyone is interested in checking out some great open mics, they should head to Espresso Joe’s in Keyport on Wednesdays or The Berkely Carteret Hotel in Asbury Park on Fridays. These two open mics are both full of people who actually want to hear your stuff, and although they are at opposite ends of the county, I swear to you northerners and southerners they really aren’t that far from each other.
Espresso Joe’s Open Mic has a comfortable and welcoming feel. The musicians really listen to each other and the music is not just there as background noise. While I was there I met familiar NJcoast faces like Mike Pek, Patti Bramson, and Kevin McGowan, and some great new comers. Espresso Joe’s is also an internet café, and has the amusing double entendre, “Get Wired at Espresso Joe’s.” Also, for a coffee house, they have some great wraps and sandwiches.
I was skeptical about the open mic at the Berkely Carteret because I thought, It’s a Friday, whose going to come? Oh but I was very wrong. There was quite a crowd of musicans as well as audience. This open mic is also unique because its one of the few that has a set up for a full band, and you can play loud if you want. I should also mention that its in the hotel restaurant, which means full menu, and pub menu, as well as drinks which is always all it takes to rope me in.
Come on guys, make the trip, what are you going to do tonight, watch The Apprentice?
