Julie Druker | Oct 14, 2015


The second installment of the Arden Legion's Open Mic event on October 10 attracted more than double the musicians compared to the inaugural event two weeks earlier. Organizers are hoping to see the event continue to gain in popularity and with that in mind have decided to make it a regular event, which will take place on the second Saturday of every month from 1 - 6pm. To date the open mic is not only attracting local talent but also musicians from afar willing to travel a considerable distance to have the opportunity to play. That was the case for Linda Faith of Kingston who made the trip from Kingston on October 10 to sing her three-song country set that included Willie Nelson's “Remember Me”, and Flatt and Scruggs' “Gimme My Flowers While I'm Living”. She said she made the trip since she loves “to get out and play and socialize with other musicians.” Marg and Dwayne Taylor, both musicians and singers who recently retired and returned to live full time in Arden, are thrilled to have a local regular venue where they can play and meet other local players. Local musician Larry Birney of Arden, who plays and sings and “loves to jam”, initiated the event. He approached members of the Legion with the idea of a regular open mic in the hopes of giving local players a chance to get together regularly.

Theresa Hooiveld, whose partner Peter has participated at both events, is the official name taker and at the second installment, participants were invited to play up to three songs. However, she states that number can change, based on the number of players who show up. The Legion's fund-raising chair, Malcolm Sampson, said that a similar event was started three or four years ago but eventually fizzled out. He said that the second Saturday was decided upon since it does not conflict with other similar musical events in the area.

Legion volunteers open up the kitchen and bar for the open mic, which so far has been free of charge for listeners and players alike. Sampson hopes to see the event catch on, especially in the winter months, since it will make for a warm and cozy way to spend a musical afternoon.

 

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