Peter Fogarty reviews the March Open-Mic.

The second Open Mic for this year came in the wake of the Port Fairy Folk Festival weekend. Just to show that one can never get enough music, there was quite a turn-out at Irish Murphy’s on March Eleven of both audience and performers for this show.

As I arrived a little late, I missed the first act, which was Geoff Sinnbeck, Beryl and Shirley Parsons. I did catch the end of their very last song though and, from what I heard then – and knowing them from past performances – I assume that the earlier part of their set was just as good.

Then, for the first time at Irish Murphy’s, Lorraine McShane took the stage and accompanied herself on Guitar while singing three original songs. These were “Nature Is My Therapy” – a tribute to the healing powers of the natural world – “Stars” and “Rockin’ Grandma” which, apart from being autobiographical, is a tribute to all those who take new directions in their lives irrespective of chronological age. Let’s hear more of Lorraine and more of her original songs!

Claudia Collins was on next, also with original material. Her first number was about seeing “Spamalot” with a partner who took a more than passing interest in the chorus-girls. “Too Much Black In The World “ was then followed by “Over Here, Over There” – concerning the mental distances that can exist despite physical proximity.

Then came the trio of Paula, Dwaine and Sheridan. Their opening number was “Moondance” – with Paula and Sheridan on Vocals and Dwaine on the Guitar. Then came the song made popular by Louis Jordan: “Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby?” before their final song “When The War Is Over” in which they were joined by the audience in the chorus.

Paula and Dwaine then left the stage and Sheridan remained to do a solo set. Beginning with “I Hope You Call Me Tonight” she then did a song so new that it had been completed at around 4 A.M. the previous morning. This was “Just One More Night” and was well-written in addition to being well-performed. Her last song was “We’ve Got A Secret” which may also have been an original.

Jane “H” then came on to do three songs inspired by nature. The first showed how a contemplation of vast natural forces can put so many other things into a different perspective. Often a necessary corrective to pointless worries, fears and concerns! The second song was about two eagles and their ability to see things differently from their vantage points while flying overhead. Her final song was one by the Glasgow writer Allen Legge: “Where The Great Green Grass”. These songs were delivered with great feeling and gave one food for thought.

As there was a blank space on the blackboard, Dwaine and I were asked if we could do a spot. Is the Bear a Catholic? Does the Pope run around in the woods? We got on stage and, as the raffle was to be drawn after our spot, an instant name came to mind for us: “The Pre-Raffleites”. When the groans subsided we did “Out Of Nowhere”, “No Moon At All” and “On A Slow Boat To China”. Dwaine’s improvisations within the songs were great and, although I can’t really write up myself, all I can say is that it was good to be back on stage for the first time after my recent “Holiday”.

The final performance for the evening was done by Neil Nicholas. He began with the number made famous by Blind Faith entitled “Can’t Find My Way Home” and he did the difficult vocals with ease. “Norwegian Wood” was then delivered with great style and the official end was “Can’t Let Go”. However, his singing and playing had impressed everyone so much that an encore was called for and given. This was “Picasso Mandolin” and brought the evening to a triumphant conclusion.
Once again, many thanks for those who organised and ran tonight’s show. Mike Quarrell was on sound and Mark Wardle was the M.C. for the night with Barrie and Jenny Warren organising the Raffle and Jamie McKinnon helping to set up the sound and lighting. Not to mention the management and staff of Irish Murphy’s who facilitate these evenings. Don’t forget the next Open Mic of April Eight – and by the time you read this I assume you would have seen and heard Nick Charles on March Twenty-Six.

“Happy Listening”
Peter A.D. Fogarty.