1 Photo
Fans of live music, take heart: original tunes can still be found on stage. Once a month, music lovers and musicians can hear what their peers are up to and even play a few songs of their own during “A Night of Original Voices at the Vail.” It all happens at the Vail-Leavitt Music Hall in Riverhead on the third Thursday of every month.
The format is similar to open mic nights in bars or coffeehouses: walk-in musicians can sign-up to perform when the doors open at 7 p.m. Groups are announced by the hosts, who also play a song or two or three. A featured guest takes the stage for 30 minutes, sandwiched between performances by walk-ins.
What differs about Original Voices is that only original music is welcome on the stage. Unlike many venues, there is no bar or food service, so audience attention is placed front and center on the musicians performing.
“This is more of an original music-friendly place,” said Eva Adalai of East Moriches, a guitarist and singer/songwriter who performed last week. “There’s no clinking of glasses or screams about football in the bar. People are here for the music.”
Original Voices takes place in the black box theater on the first floor of the Vail-Leavitt Music Hall. The room is cozy and has space to seat 50 people. Microphones, a drum kit, electronic equipment, technical assistance and even sound checks are provided by the hosts. If a solo musician wants an instant back-up band, most likely one will materialize on the spot.
The effort is led by Original Voices founder Jessie Haynes, an East Quogue musician. The singer/songwriter/guitarist has led open mic nights in venues across Long Island. Her co-hosts are all musicians as well. They include Chris Bruschi of Hampton Bays, who is a Vail-Leavitt board member. Mr. Bruschi typically mans the theater during the event and makes sure the $5 door donations and tips for the musicians get where they need to go.
John Brzoza handles the sound and is there to lend a hand when an extra guitarist is needed. Robb Patterson of Riverhead emcees the evening and Gregg Gennari records all the music and brings CDs to the next session, held the following month. Volunteers are always sought to help the event run more smoothly.
Volunteers may also help the open mic night to grow so the musicians might be able to use the main theater upstairs. This shared hope was echoed by nearly all the musicians interviewed last week. So was the hope that getting the word out will bring musicians out in droves. A typical evening features about 10 to 15 soloists or groups that want to play. When the crowd outgrows the 50-person room, a request can be placed to the board of the Vail-Leavitt to use the main theater.
“I hope that a lot of people spread the word about the scene there,” said Ms. Adalai. “It would be a great experience for people starting out to play a big stage like those in the city. It would be amazing.”
Mr. Patterson was optimistic that Original Voices will take off and that Riverhead is on the cusp of burgeoning musical scene. The open mic night began in March and has been held once a month ever since. Photos, feedback and future events are posted at www.myspace.com/orginialvoicesatthevail.
“There’s really no reason why it can’t grow,” said Mr. Patterson. “There’s no shortage of talent and there’s a lot going on in Riverhead right now. The East End Arts Council has a new recording studio and they’re trying to get things going. East Enders Coffee House has live music a few times a week. There’s a little scene here in Riverhead.”
For now, there are plenty of accolades for the scene already playing out. Each month draws a new crop of musicians plus some returning ones. A broad range of music has been taking the black box stage. Among other acts, there has been an experimental jam set to a backdrop of projected surf images, an a cappella group, gospel singers and lots of singer-songwriters who appear solo or with a band.
Acoustic and electric are equally welcome. So are all ages. Performers range from the occasional teenager to those in their 20s right up to those in their 50s. New music by established performers is encouraged.
“No one is going to judge you here,” Ms. Haynes said to the crowd that gathered last week. “You’ve got a supportive group of musicians who want to hear what you want to play. Use this place as a way to try out new material and take chances.”
Some of the players did exactly that last Thursday, while others performed songs from upcoming releases. Some of the musicians took the stage solo for the first time in many years, because they are now playing with bands. Others don’t play professionally but enjoy performing a song or two at this open mic night and others on Long Island.
In all cases, playing for an audience offered a welcome opportunity to hone their chops and experience the joy of playing their original music. Return performers have the chance to apply to be the featured act of the night. Last week featured John Brzoza & Friends. Next month puts Jeremy Sears center stage. November’s headliner is Last Charge of the Light Horse. December has the fifth annual Toys for Tots benefit that brings a slew of talent together for a good cause.
Tom Hood and The Trailmen of Eastport took the stage as a walk-in last week but the band has been the featured act before. After performing, Mr. Hood passed around copies of his latest recording, “Riding Into Town.” Musicians are encouraged to bring their cds along. Their website or myspace accounts are announced by the emcee so more of their music can be heard. All in all, Original Voices at the Vail is a special combination, Mr. Hood said.
“This is a venue totally devoted to music,” he said. “After a few times, you have the chance to become the featured performer. It’s a real showcase for musicians. Plus, people are here because they want to hear the music. There’s really not another place like this on Long Island.”
Separately, Ms. Adalai agreed. “There’s really no place like this where original music is welcomed at open mics. At other open mics there’s a lot of covers because that’s what the audience likes to hear.”
Original Voices at the Vail is held the third Thursday of every month at the Vail-Leavitt Music Hall, 18 Peconic Avenue in Riverhead. Doors open and sign-up begins at 7 p.m. The evening runs through 10 p.m. For information, visit www.myspace.com/originalvoicesatthevail. Basic information can be found at www.vail-leavitt.org.
on Sep 22, 2008