Normally an open mic is not really noteworthy. When amateurs grace the stage with little to no experience, you can tell they don't have their chops yet. Heck, sometimes professionals don't have it all together on stage.
Despite the inexperience of the performers at LBJ Presents, there was a vibe that one can't experience at a produced show, with the same amount of quality guitar and bass guitar riffs and vocal projections. If you stepped into Plush this past Sunday, you would have experienced what every amateur musician would want to encounter at an open mic.
First, there was a full back line. On top of that, the hosts are incredible musicians. LB Johnson (LBJ) and Jelani Buchanan (DJ Baqbeet) of the Psychedelic Psychonauts warm up the crowd with their musical talent. LBJ picks up his guitar and makes it speak to the audience as he sings. DJ Baqbeet hops from drums to keyboards with seamless ability. That's only the beginning.
Last night (not certain that all acts will be there from week to week), we were blessed by the Psychedelic Psychonauts, a couple Bobs, a guy named Drew, a father/daughter act called Black and Tan, Loren D., Lolly Vee and IQ, a local emcee. The atmosphere feels very familiar and open. As Lolly lost concentration and reprimanded herself, the crowd encouraged her to keep going. This is the family-style open mic that Saint Louis needs more of.
Plush is a great venue for live music and a great spot to hang out in, if you want dinner and drinks as well. If you haven't been to LBJ Presents Open Mic at Plush, you need to make your way there every Sunday in the near future. It runs from 4 to 8 PM and you won't be disappointed. By the end of the night you will be transported to a place where anyone who plays music might consider paradise.
See you there!
Comments