When I think about open mikes, two things stand out in my mind – (1) the No Exit in the Chicago Area had an open mike on Monday nights. This Open Mike that was notorious for booing you off the stage if they did not like you. This sounds mean but it was done in great fun. Sometimes someone who was very good was even booed off the stage. (2) The greatest open mike show was one Friday Night at the Old Town School of Music in Chicago. A young man finished his performance with a great deal of relief; the audience loved his fresh young approach, they applauded and cheered. He got so excited he picked up his guitar over his head and thru it to the ground, smashing it to pieces. The MC, Mark Devorak just stood there with his mouth hanging open. For the first time, that I remember, he was at a loss for words.

The young man picked up the pieces and came over and sat down in front of me, he leaned over to his friend and asked "Why did I do that?"

I often wonder what ever happened to that young man, I hope he purchased a new guitar and went on with his music, after all he was a smashing success.

If that young man is on Mudcat, please come forward.