It seems just a couple of weeks ago I was writing with the news that the Emack's Open Mike Night was continuing indefinitely. Now, it saddens me to write with the news that our open mike has been shut down again, effective immediately. I apologize to those of you who have already received the email I sent to the performers. This email is for everyone: musicians, fans, and patrons, who have been supporting the open mike over the past couple of seasons since I became host.
I received a voice mail from Dave, who is the manager at Emack's, so I haven't actually spoken with anyone directly just yet. The decision to shut down, as best as I can tell, is nothing more than financial, that it just was not economically feasible for them to keep it open at this time. While Dave went to bat for us and tried to convince the new owners to keep it open at least for a little while longer, they disagreed, and we are shut down. I use terms like *we*, *us*, and *ours* because although I am the host, the open mike was really all about *you*, and I was very happy to have been able to give you all a place to play and listen.
Many of you have already written back to me, offering words of support and encouragement, which I appreciate immensely. In all honesty, I have not decided if I want to find a new venue in which to continue the open mike. The roller coaster ride with Emack's, get it running-shut it down-get it running-shut it down, has really taken it's toll on me emotionally.
So, I will be taking some time to try and decide if I should find another venue. It's clear that an open mike at an ice cream shop is not going to work year round, and I'm tired of owners yanking me (and you) around. I think it's also clear that in these tough economic times, sometimes tough decisions have to be made, and I think we just fell victim to that, nothing more, nothing less.
Once again, thank you all for all of the support you've given over the past couple of years. When I make a decision, if/when I find a new venue, or when I have other news, I will be in touch with you all again. Until then...
Love and hugs,
Carlyn
http://www.carlynhutchins.com
17 October 2008
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2 comments:
I believe the ownership of E&B changed hands, that could have to do with the open mike shutting down. I heard that the the new owners are in the same family that owns Blue Star. Perhaps they'll convert it to a cool coffee shop & open mike will return year round!
Yes, I believe it is the same family that owns Blue Star. However, a brief conversation I had with the owner last week gave me the impression that the open mike is shut down for good.
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