Your New Tuesday Night Spot

Ahh October! The heat's finally settling with the sun, and us Gulf Coasters can enjoy an evening outdoors again. Jill Johnson, owner and all around wonderful person, must've known we were looking for something to do under the stars, so she opened her courtyard yesterday and held Mangia Gourmet's inaugural Open Mic Night.

Yours truly sat this one out. I was in recon mode, wondering if this open mic would be organized and entertaining, two factors that matter when you want to participate in recurring events. Jill invited Jun Bustamante to serve as host and emcee. You'll know Jun from her Monday night sets at The Ale & The Witch. This was the first time I experienced her music, and after listening, I knew this was the kind of vibration we performing artist types can appreciate.

I was hanging out along Beach Boulevard with Stone Handy, local musician and poet who performed at the mic later that evening, and we came around the corner to our seats, to find a woman strumming on a mandolin. I know this chick, I kept saying to myself. Then somebody said, “Blueberry Patch,” and I remembered; Laura Shepherd! We've hung out a few times in 2012. I had to make sure to say hello, and to tell her I still have “The Stand” in my workstation.

After Laura's set, Tropical Disturbance took the stage. I literally pulled a fist pump when Bob went to work on his trumpet. Brass at an open mic? Now THIS is my vibe, all the way live!

But it gets even better. This wild-haired guy, Sammy, sets up a beat maker and freeforms a transient, electronic reading of Mangia Gourmet's menu! Sammy was super fun to watch in action.

I want to point out here that I'm not a sangria fan. But Mangia Gourmet's sangria is breathtaking. And it lasted me all the way to the final, yet awesome set. Kirsey came to the stage with a ukelele. You can't feel any negativity when there's a ukelele, impossible. I loved her neurotically romantic lyrics delivered with a distinct voice.

What made this Open Mic Night work was its flow. Every artist who took to the stage complimented the former one, as if it was staged. It was shared, positive energy, flowing between the crowd and the performers, empowering every performance.

I went inside to score a dessert, and the servers remarked on how much business Mangia Gourmet was receiving due to the event. Mind you, this place has been open only two months. They got the business model right: good, healthy food; great, vibrant staff; awesome courtyard events.

Let's support Jill and her team and keep this Open Mic Night going. Every Tuesday out on the courtyard. Bring your artistry and make new friends!  

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Thanks St Pete Patch! My last local blog. We're moving to a bigger house. DETAILS SOON!!