Open Mic Milestone

On Monday nights in Pittsburgh is the Acousticafe.



A bunch of GREAT artists get together at the Club Cafe in the South Side and plays their original music. You'll hear a cover song every once in a while but the rule is that you get 2 songs, and only one can be a cover.

I've gone to this open mic a couple of times but have never performed. It's so intimidating because almost everyone there is is amazing! There are professional musicians there every week who play to get exposure and "make it."

Um... I've never written a song. I'm not qualified to play and sing here, but it turns out that Joel Lindsey, who was my guitar teacher for a while was hosting the night. So he got me a time slot to play! Yikes!

When I got there, Joel and I talked and he asked what I was going to play. When I told him I had not one but two cover songs, he told me of the rule but then said it was OK because I had come once before but didn't get a time slot to play. After a bunch of thought (like 26 seconds or so) I decided that 1 cover song would be enough. Joel then offered his band if I wanted. his band is amazing. He seriously has the sickest Bassist I have ever heard. He's really unbelievable. When he offered the band, I said "Sure, whatever! That sounds cool!"

So my name gets called and I go up to play. I'm playing a new song, one that I've never played for anybody. "Cry Me a River" by Justin Timberlake. I practiced a bunch and I felt like I had it all down. Little did I know that I would get ridiculously nervous, sing a little flat, and forget my lyrics. (luckily I had them up there with me) So it was a little difficult in the beginning, but then the band came up and it totally rocked! (in my opinion) I relaxed and sang with more confidence and things just sounded so much better. Joel announced that it was my first time ever playing the Acousticafe and the best part is that when I was finished the place went nuts! Well, maybe nuts is a bit of an exaggeration. They did clap and cheer for me and a bunch of people came up and said how great I did and that I should come back and keep playing. It was totally encouraging and awesome!

Courtney was there and she took some pics and video. So here it is... let me know what you think!

Cry Me a River - Acousticafe from Courtney Bowden on Vimeo.