An open mic is as only as good as its venue and Yeoman’s speaks for itself. With the perfect combination of good food, beer, and service, this island bar is the perfect backdrop for a night of featured local talents and an overall good time.
When I checked it out last week, Brad was bartending. As always, he was doing a great job — acting with quick service and friendly attitude. His old school Buccaneer’s snap baseball hat was a topic of conversation as he quickly paced the bar popping tops and flipping taps.
There is a lot of hustle in Yeoman’s staff and that includes the kitchen staff. They know how to get the food out fast, but while always exceeding the standard expectations of bar food. Burgers, wings and nachos – sounds simple, but as with everything, Yeoman’s does it better than the rest.
Next to the venue, the most important element of an awesome open mic is the host. This person has to wear many hats and at Yeoman’s, the host Kelso wears them all well. First, the host must be able to run the sound. Not always easy. The set up on Tuesday was just how I like it: striped down, well balanced and plenty loud. I also appreciate the cherry drum kit provided by the house for those artists with a fuller band sound.
Secondly, the host has to be a talented performer since they open the night with an extended set of material. Kelso’s sun-dipped soul vocal backed by his funky folk guitar strum styling had a nice snug summer fit in the room. His set was tight as was his bluesy harmonica playing.
Thirdly, the host has to make sure the performers sign in and catch their designated time slots, all while emceeing the rest of the night and mixing the sound for each act. Think one part stage manager, one part stand up comic, and one part house sound engineer. Kelso did it all breezily. He had people laughing all night, as well as, making sure the performers felt welcome, appreciated and sounding their best.
The last and most important aspect of a solid open mic are the performers. Those burning souls with the courage to sign their name on a list, wait their turn, and get up there and do the damn thing. Yeoman’s was packed with such artists and their friends all night long.
I am not sure if most people understand the importance of open mics within our culture or how crucial it is for artists to have the opportunity to hone their craft in front of an audience. Open mics like Yeoman’s are the blood and bones of authentic music in America. So I’m grateful for a place like Yeoman’s that gives local musicians a place to play as well as eat, drink and be rockingly merry.
Yeoman’s Road Pub hosts Open Mic Night every Tuesday at 9:30pm on Davis Island. Learn more about Yeoman’s and their Open Mic Night.
About the Author
Jason Robert Miller lives and plays in Tampa. You can find him playing music and sampling food and drinks throughout the Tampa area. For more info about Jason and his music check out 5 Bees Records.