Beaner's Central open mic attracts all ages, talents
By JORDAN HANSON
DCN Correspondent
Through two big windows on Central Avenue in West Duluth, a bustling crowd of all ages could be seen on Wednesday night. It was open mic night at Beaner’s Central, which is one of their busiest nights of the week.
Chad Bloodson runs the sound for open mic night every week. He said he believes that all up-and-coming musicians should be able to get some experience in front of a crowd.
“It’s a great opportunity for people to get to know sound equipment and get on stage,� said Bloodson. “It helps people to reduce their stage shyness.�
The clientele was less than ordinary. In the corner sat an elderly couple drinking tap beers. At the next table sat three young teenagers who were working on their algebra homework.
Bloodson said it is a place where parents can bring their children without the normal fears associated with most bars.
“Younger people don’t have a lot of places to go at night,� said Bloodson. “It is a great opportunity for people under 21 to experience music.�
The scene was accented with blue and green colored lamps adorning a dark blue wall. A big leather couch lay directly in front of the stage, which hosted a group of teenagers who all wore their hats the same way and have possibly never heard of belts.
The thrill of the stage attracted many different levels of talent. From novice musicians, strumming the same three chords and missing notes to seasoned veterans of the stage, the whole spectrum of musical talent could be observed.
“I come here a couple times a month for open mic,� said Hewitt Station (stage name), a musician from Duluth. “Sometimes I come to listen, sometimes I come to play.�
He used a combination of guitar and harmonica which both seemed very well practiced. A bit of Bob Dylan with a hint of James Taylor, his soulful ballads managed to catch the attention of both young and old, if only for a few moments.
“Considering I’ve been doing this since I was 13, the grammar school that I was in was my real inspiration to make music,� said Station.
His gruff appearance and raspy voice might remind viewers of the grandfather figure who taught them how to tie their shoes or ride a bike. The songs he played and his stage talk reflected this image — reciting memories of his younger years, of gained wisdom and missed opportunities.
“I like to write radical stuff, like ‘this is what’s going on’ type music,� said Station. “There’s a lot more to write about than just love.�
With a boisterous cackle, he dismissed everyone by wishing them happy holidays and then left the stage. He said that he writes his music for the benefit of others, whether it’s teaching life lessons or brightening up the holidays.
“I have two CD’s out, and I’m working on a third one now,� said Station. “I’m also just finishing up a Christmas CD to give out to friends as presents.�
Comments
always liked your shows
Posted by: jann | February 10, 2009 8:02 PM
And the baristas are so pretty... Haha!
Posted by: Coral | March 12, 2009 10:07 PM