Jammin’ at Vida e Caffe

By: Laura Stennerson

Wow! The place was packed with supporters and performers. The smell of coffee and the noise of the espresso machine added to the undercurrent of excitement I felt as I walked in. I headed to the counter, because I knew I would never relax without a delicious Vida latte in hand. I scanned the room. I saw Jared Spencer looking rather official. I had not seen Jared since December at an art opening at Miami Art Works Gallery, where he had performed, I wanted to find out what he had been doing. Mostly though, I just wanted to laugh. Jared is a comic genius with a refreshing life perspective. He told me he was hosting the event. He too, was amazed at the number of people who wanted to perform at open mic. Jared was keeper of the clip board and there was no funny business about that. Jared explained that performers played in the order they signed up to play. Period. As I checked the list, and realized I had already missed two performers.  I missed Jim Coates and Gavin Tarron who covered “The Day I left The Womb” by Escape the Fate. I am sorry I wasn’t there to support them. Earl Knoob, our local train conductor and crowd pleaser played next. Jim Vandine followed with his skillful guitar playing. Michael McLelland, who has been writing since he was sixteen, played an original song entitled “Guitar Man”.

The 3D’s were up next. The band includes Dick Mickle, Dave Cluff, and Dan Corradi. Dick’s rendition of Bob Dylan‘s “Like a Rolling Stone” completely engaged me. Dan Corradi singing “Nights in White Satin” by The Moody Blues was superb. Then Dave Cluff gave us the dynamic sound of surf music, making his guitar speak of waves, boards, and bodies. Wow! These guys need their own venue. But the wowing wasn’t over yet. Amy Shugar’s big voice commanded attention as she covered songs from The Black Crows and from Tracy Chapman. I missed what she sang first, but I was able to hear more of her on her CD Under Construction, which was released in Japan. Another Wow! She says she will be performing at Miami Boom Town Spree in April. I hope we hear more from her before that.

Crazy Poet and Talented Surprises

Some crazy poet jumped in next promoting the 23 and Under Youth Art Show closing reception Saturday February 13^th from noon till closing at Miami Art Works Gallery in Miami. But following her, was a young poet, a student from GHS, LaCreshia Meade. She created vivid imagery in her words that my soul just responds to. I can’t wait to hear and read more of her work. As Ben Palmer, a MHS student, set up his keyboard, my friend and I stepped outside. His command of his instrument brought me back in, another wow. I understand he and Adam Amado, another accomplished young musician, will be playing for the closing reception on Saturday in Miami. I can’t wait! The gals from Cobre Valley Center for The Arts, Mary Jane Ortiz, Megan Scales, and Karen Scales, belted out show tunes. You can see them again at CVCA they will be performing during the Globe Home Tour. Ben Griffin, a GHS student, played guitar and sang country covers with a strong clear voice. John Shultz performed an original song, “Great Creator”.

Being the mindful host, Jared Spencer and Steven Sterkenburg played last. And even though it was past closing time, most of the crowd hung around to hear them play. They amused the crowd with a song they had written that morning involving a bee and a pocket. What great fun. What a great night! Jared was a skilled host. He had fun with the performers and the supporters which made for an engaging evening. And once again, I am wowed at the caliber of talent in our area. Thank you Vida e Caffe for giving the community a place to showcase talent and drink a good cup of coffee. If you missed it this month remember Open Mic every first Friday at Vida e Caffe 157 W. Ceder Street in Globe.

Kudos to those who are gutsy enough to get out there and share a bit of their soul. And kudos to all those that came out to support them. See you next time!