The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Sisters Depot is starting a monthly open mic night on January 20, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. For musicians, this is a new opportunity to share music at a prime time and in a wonderful venue. For music lovers, it's a chance to see a variety of local musical talent, in a fun atmosphere with food and drinks available.

"Bob Dylan didn't become Bob Dylan by staying home," said Scott Crabtree, host of "Saturday Night Mic." "He really blossomed when he went to Greenwich Village and immersed himself in a community of musicians and creative people. This monthly open mic gives Sisters Country musicians a place to hear each other, cross-pollinate ideas, and build musical community."

This open mic night will differ from others in a few ways:

• There's a mic - one, going into a small PA with two mic or line inputs; one instrument could be plugged in here as well. Musicians are welcome to bring their own mic and/or small amplifier if they prefer.

• This will be in the main ground-floor restaurant space. This will support groups of three or fewer musicians; there will not be physical or sonic space for full drum sets.

• Organizers expect this to be a Saturday night party atmosphere more than a quiet listening environment. Upbeat tunes will probably work better than very quiet, slow, intimate ballads.

• Performers will be given slots up to 10 minutes, and possibly even multiple slots if time allows. This will allow musicians to play multiple songs, or longer songs, such as 'looper' performances where musicians layer tracks over each other.

• While they might accept last-minute in-person sign-ups if time is available, more time will be given to those that sign up in advance. Performer slots are first come, first served; sign up in advance at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DepotOpenMic.

"We're focused on music at this open mic," Crabtree said. "Please let us know if you want to do something besides music and we'll see if it might work. We'll do our best to be flexible, while trying to ensure the best experience for all involved."

Robert Sposato, a local music promoter who is organizing a series of Saturday night events at Sisters Depot, said, "We are really excited about this prime-time opportunity for musicians to share, and music lovers to discover and enjoy new musicians."

Eryn Ross, owner of Sisters Depot, said, "Sisters Depot is thrilled to be offering a late-night happy hour on Saturdays from 8:30 to 11 p.m. This open mic series will be one of a series of musical events we are hosting here. We are so looking forward to hearing musicians play and audience members enjoying the music."