By Laura Stennerson

(On the eve of this piece going to press, we are two days away from another Open Mic night at CopperMine Cafe over in Miami, so put it on your calendars!)

Have you ever had one of those days where you just couldn’t keep the smile of your face? I had a day like that on Friday, from the time I woke up to the time I went to bed, I smiled. I know this smile had a lot to do with a severe lack of sleep, the fact the students didn’t vote me off the island yet, the dawning of Spring break, and Open Mic Night at Vida e Caffe. I first stopped off at another establishment to see friends that I have solely neglected and then, with smile in place went to Vida.

As I was navigating through tracks and traffic, having only been able to find a parking place in front of the Silver Belt, I hear,  “Mrs. Stennerson! You Missed our act”.  Oh no. I was late again. I missed Brandon Buchanan, Josh Dobbs, and Michael Cook. I said my apologies, but all was not lost. Thanks to the miracle of technology I was able to watch the video tape of their performance. They played their own version of the famous Eagle’s song, “Hotel California”, but with a twist. They played “Hotel Arizona”. So before I even made it to the door I watched my first act. What a great life!

With a chuckle, and that crazy smile on my face I walked in to Vida. Packed again! The place was buzzing with energy, music, conversation, and the omnipresent buzz of the espresso machine. As I settled in, which was tricky due to the sheer number of people, I saw familiar faces and new faces. As I stayed put for a few minutes, as I watched my second favorite man in black, David Haynes. I hear he has a new guitar to play to us now as he sings those ballads. Nice David! Earl Knoob played next, as I was wandering around again, he did a favorite Bob Dylan. Brought those old memories back. Thank you Earl.

I guess I wasn’t the only one late. Jared Spencer said he was late and apologized to the crowd, but everything was going smoothly. Jim Vandine, whose guitar playing, I unfortunately missed, got everything up and running till Jared could get there. Thank you Jim. I am sure glad Jared made it. It is pure joy to watch him interact with the music and musicians. His sense of fun and silliness, just makes me happy.

Daniel Dickerson was next, he played commanding acoustic guitar. He played “Free Bird”, and a Jimi Hendrix. Daniel was here in Globe from Mesa, and in town for business. He said he grew up here and was happy to be playing. Daniel, I think you should come up every month and play. Thanks for being a part of First Friday Open Mic at Vida’s. Jim Coates was up after Daniel. Jim played and sang some original music. I am a fan of musicians that perform their original music. Way to go Jim. Dan Corradi, the Radio Shack man, played next. He has the smoothest voice. His cover of Bob Seger’s, “Turn The Page” filled the coffee shop. He is such a professional. I still believe some of our local artists need their own venue or night. Which could easily include Cameron Audette who played next. He covered “Hospital” a song I remember from a few years back by The Cold War Kids, which I didn’t remember. He then sang “In The Airplane Over The Sea” by Neutral Milk Hotel. I wasn’t familiar with them, so I checked them out on U tube. The song and Cameron’s delivery of it, struck a chord within me. I must admit, the song is more in line with my personal favored genre. Thanks Cameron for the connection of new to me music I enjoy!

Amy Schugar played next. You can see her again at Humprey’s Two Lanes on Friday April 2^nd.  My dear friend Sal Pizzo jumped in with his keyboard to accompany Amy. Pizzo! You just rock. We, your friends, have been hiding you at our functions for far too long. I am thrilled the community was able to experience your musical and cooperative talents. Thank you Sal! Amy and Sal jammed hard. They are both masterful musicians. I felt privileged to watch them jam. But the jam session didn’t end. Jared Spencer, Steven Sterkenburg, and Cameron Audette, as the Corduroy Nicker Boys, played next. And Josh Greigo, where were you? Were you not supposed to play too? You know I haven’t had the pleasure of watching you yet. Hopefully at Jim Coates’ on Second Friday. The Corduroy Nicker Boys played an original, “Table in the Devil’s Diner”, about the mishaps of eating a cream pie gone bad. Very funny! Thank you for the humor boys.

Musicians were jumping in and out as the jam session kept up. I guess at this point I just sat, smiling that smile, forgetting to take notes, and just enjoyed the show. I was too involved with the music and the action to write anything down. But you should have been there! What a rollicking good night at Vida e Caffe 157 W. Cedar. So come out next month, have a smoothie and a muffin, enjoy the music, good conversation, and support our local talent. A big thank you to all the musicians who I saw there, that did not play, but came out to support. Thank you to the Baker’s at Vida e Caffee, for opening their doors for a great event. Kudos to those who are gutsy enough to get out there and share a bit of their soul. And kudos to all those that come out to support them. See you at Jim Coates Copper Mine Picture Cafe in Miami for Second Friday Open Mic.

By: Laura Stennerson

I could hardly remember my user name for News and Views. I think it’s been at least four weeks since I have posted. That is how long it has been since I have written anything but comments, lesson plans, and a few random poems. Yes, I have found a paying gig. I have stepped up to join the ranks of the working poor. But luckily, I have found; creative minds, a piece of native silver in the wash, and a $1,000,000,000 bill on the sidewalk in downtown Phoenix. My family couldn’t believe my luck. My children all wanted to know who this Richard Nixon was, and how did he get his face on a million dollar bill?  They were happy to know we were richer today than we were yesterday. It is good to be lucky.

So my absence from events and writing about events has been due to the all encompassing nature of teaching. Yes, I am teaching again. And to all those who will remember and mention, how I said I would never teach again, well you know how life goes. For one reason or another I have found myself back in the future minds, and as usual, the privilege is mine. Our youth have voices, and I don’t mean all the swearing, I think that is just the big shocker of this generation. We all had them, we just forget, because after the shock, what’s left? It becomes mundane. So, for those many students, who do refrain from cursing in class and in the halls, more power to you. You will always appear more thoughtful, mindful and intelligent. And in this world that’s a plus.  And adults, don’t stop talking to them just because they do curse.  They do not necessarily view cursing the way you do.  It just might be a generational gap.  But then again, how do we speak?  What are we saying?

Our youth have voices, perspectives, perceptions. They have perspectives about us. Think about that! Students well on their way to adulthood, our future thinkers, decision makers, providers to us and our grandchildren. These people deserve our ears. It is hard for my adult me to stop, telling and talking, long enough and just listen. I am grateful I was at least quiet long enough to hear some of their words, their thoughts, their voices. I have learned so much, felt so much, thought so much. I have hardly slept or eaten in days. My family and friends are patient, and supportive. And for some reason, it has been worth the paltry sum of money, the policies, the data entry, and the taxing overload on my minuscule mind. I can say all this with complete certainty only because of two words. Spring break.

Spring Break Fever. The pollen is flying free, the weeds are encroaching, the skunks are waking, and so are the rattlesnakes. The twitterpated sparrows take over the streets in chaotic flying masses. The male grackles are posturing with impressive fervor. The little hooded wrens that match the winter trees and ground are leaving. But the buzzards are back flying overhead. Spring is arriving and we know it too. Just because we work jobs and feel removed from the natural world, doesn’t mean we can escape the same pull that fueled our ancestors to migrate, cultivate, rejuvenate, to shake off the vitamin D and C deficiencies, to bury our toes in the warming earth, and to breathe deep the transformation.

Joyous Spring break for me will entail time with family and friends, writing and posting  covered events, finishing art for the Miami Loco Art Show and Art Walk. Write some lesson plans and comments, and a few random poems. Along with de-cluttering, shaking some dust around, and opening a window to catch a glance, an aroma, a sign of Spring.  But right now I think I will go outside, stand in the rain, smell the violets, and dream with gratitude. Ahh Spring.