“Myself and Allie Smith (wife of musician Jay Smith) in a conversation came up with the open mic concept for these ‘newbies’,” Mullins recalls. “I am calling it Fresh Ground open mic. Laurie and John (Doucette, co-owners of The Perk) are huge supporters of live music in Cape Breton…loved the idea.”
Since it opened a year and a half ago, Wentworth Perk has held weekly Tuesday and Thursday evening sessions featuring many popular music acts such as Alicia Penney, Angelo Spinazzola, and Steven MacDougall. Coming up is Jay Smith on Tuesday, May 17th and Penney again on Thursday the 19th.
The first Fresh Ground Open Mic is scheduled for Saturday, June 11. The host will be one of the many talented singer/songwriters who are regular performers at Wentworth Perk.
“The plan is to run it for eight weeks and then decide how sucessful it has been,” Mullins says. “All performers must be pre-booked by me. There will be four performers playing a minimum of three tunes. And of course the host will perform as well.”
“As far as benefits, it is a great opportunity for the new performers to have exposure and experience performing in front of a crowd,” Mullins adds. “Anyone wanting to perform may contact me at debbiesjig@yahoo.com or phone me at (902) 562-7599”.
“One other thing to mention,” Mullins says. “Performers do not have to be 19 years of age because of the venue!”
